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Geneva, Switzerland

Article of the week Foreign Policy World September 22, 2024

Quad Leaders Expand Security Measures in Asia

Photo: Reuters

The leaders of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States have agreed an increase of coordinated security measures, a significant step toward bolstering security in the trade-rich waters of Asia. This news was made while President Joe Biden was hosting the Quad group, which included Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, close to his hometown of Delaware. The summit emphasizes the Quad’s dedication to preserving an open and free Indo-Pacific and emphasizes the common worries about China’s expanding influence in the area. President Biden has emphasized the Quad as a cornerstone of his accomplishments in foreign policy as he gets ready to step down after the November 5 U.S. presidential election. These four countries have joined forces to form a strategic alliance that aims to offset China’s forceful maritime actions.

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the announcement of joint coast guard operations set to commence next year. These operations will feature Australian, Japanese, and Indian personnel working alongside their U.S. counterparts on a U.S. coast guard ship. While specific locations for these activities were not disclosed, the initiative signifies an important step towards enhancing interoperability and maritime security among Quad nations.

The leaders also discussed plans for increased cooperation in military logistics, a move that could streamline joint operations and improve response times in the event of regional conflicts or natural disasters. By enhancing logistical ties, the Quad aims to ensure rapid mobilization and deployment capabilities, reinforcing their collective security objectives.

This expansion of joint security measures is reflective of a broader strategy to strengthen alliances and build resilience against potential threats. The Indo-Pacific region is crucial for global trade, and ensuring its security is vital for economic stability. The Quad leaders have reiterated their commitment to upholding international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which governs maritime rights and responsibilities.

The Quad’s recent initiatives also emphasize the importance of collaboration in areas beyond traditional military engagements. Cybersecurity, infrastructure development, and climate change are among the domains where these nations have expressed a desire to cooperate more closely. By addressing a wide spectrum of challenges, the Quad aims to present a united front capable of tackling complex regional issues.

The choice of Delaware as the meeting location holds symbolic significance, reflecting President Biden’s personal investment in the Quad’s success. As he approaches the end of his term, Biden’s leadership has been pivotal in revitalizing and prioritizing the Quad as a central element of U.S. foreign policy in Asia. His administration has worked to strengthen ties with Asian allies, recognizing the strategic importance of the region in shaping the global balance of power. While the Quad’s initiatives have been welcomed by many, they have also drawn criticism from China, which views the alliance as an attempt to contain its rise.

Beijing has consistently expressed concerns over what it perceives as a U.S.-led effort to encircle and limit its influence. However, Quad leaders have been careful to emphasize that their cooperation is not directed against any specific country but is aimed at promoting regional stability and security. The future of the Quad may depend on how the United States conducts the upcoming presidential election. The Quad’s status as a major actor in the Indo-Pacific might be further cemented by maintaining U.S. foreign policy continuity. Any change in priorities, though, might change how this strategic alliance operates.

By Sara Colin

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