On 1 July, the foreign ministers of the Quad – Australia, India, Japan, and the US – came together for their second meeting of the year in Washington, DC. This meeting, just like the first one held earlier this year, has once again highlighted the importance and potential of the Quad in shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific region.
The Quad, also known as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, was first formed in 2007 as a strategic dialogue between the four countries. However, it was short-lived as Australia withdrew from the group in 2008 due to pressure from China. But now, after more than a decade, the Quad has been revived and is gaining momentum as a powerful alliance in the region.
The timing of this meeting is significant as it comes at a time when the world is facing unprecedented challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has not only caused a global health crisis but has also exposed the vulnerabilities of the current international order. In such a scenario, the Quad’s role becomes even more crucial in promoting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
The first meeting of the Quad this year, held just hours after the inauguration of President Donald Trump, was a clear indication of the group’s importance to the new US administration. It was a reaffirmation of the US’s commitment to strengthening its ties with its allies in the region and countering the growing influence of China.
The second meeting, held in Washington, DC, has further solidified the Quad’s position as a key player in the Indo-Pacific region. The foreign ministers of the four countries discussed a wide range of issues, including maritime security, counterterrorism, and economic cooperation. They also emphasized the need for a rules-based international order and the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and overflight in the region.
One of the major outcomes of the meeting was the signing of a joint statement by the four countries, which highlighted their shared vision for a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. The statement also emphasized the importance of ASEAN centrality and the Quad’s commitment to working closely with other countries in the region to promote peace, stability, and prosperity.
The Quad’s growing significance can also be seen in its expanding cooperation in various areas. The four countries have been working together on issues such as infrastructure development, disaster relief, and humanitarian assistance. They have also been conducting joint military exercises, such as the Malabar naval exercise, which was recently expanded to include Australia.
The Quad’s rise has not gone unnoticed by China, which has been wary of the group’s growing influence in the region. China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea and its attempts to change the status quo in the region have only strengthened the Quad’s resolve to work together and counter China’s assertiveness.
The Quad’s significance also lies in its potential to provide an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI, which aims to increase China’s economic and strategic influence in the region, has been met with skepticism and criticism due to its lack of transparency and debt-trap diplomacy. The Quad, on the other hand, promotes a transparent and sustainable approach to infrastructure development, which is in line with the needs and aspirations of the countries in the region.
In conclusion, the second meeting of the Quad has once again highlighted the group’s growing importance in shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific region. The four countries have reaffirmed their commitment to working together and promoting a free, open, and inclusive region. As the world faces unprecedented challenges, the Quad’s role becomes even more crucial in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The Quad is here to stay, and its potential to bring positive change to the region is immense.
