Quad Nations Continue Military Exercises in Bay of Bengal

210919-N-HS181-1334 PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 19, 2021) Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90) conduct a passing honors ceremony with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Murasame-class destroyer JS Ikazuchi (DD 107) and Kongō-class guided-missile destroyer JS Chōkai (DDG 176), Sept. 19, 2021. Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Haydn N. Smith

The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, colloquially called the “Quad,” commenced the second phase of its joint military exercise Malabar on Oct. 12, bringing together elements of the Australian, Indian, Japanese, and American militaries in the Bay of Bengal. The exercise is the 25^th of its kind, and will continue through Oct. 15.

The drills come amid rising concern among Western and Asian states over the Chinese regime’s growing military assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific, and as the United States seeks to shore up partnerships, including the Quad, to counter threats posed by Beijing.