BANGKOK — Marco Rubio, now serving as secretary of state, began his official duties by engaging in discussions with his counterparts from the Quad alliance, which includes the United States, India, Japan, and Australia. This coalition represents a significant global presence, comprising nearly 2 billion people and accounting for over a third of the world’s GDP. Though the Quad has existed for over 15 years, its role has become increasingly crucial in recent times. But what does the Quad truly represent?
Initially founded in 2007, the Quad emerged from the collaborative efforts of its member nations during the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami and earthquake in 2004. The countries involved emphasize the partnership’s diplomatic focus and its broad spectrum of regional initiatives, addressing key issues such as infrastructure development, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, climate change, and maritime security.
Despite the Quad’s primary focus on diplomacy, it has notably become a vital element in the United States’ strategy to address China’s expanding influence and territorial ambitions in the Asia-Pacific region. China’s claims extend to crucial areas like the South China Sea and Taiwan, an island that operates independently but considers itself a part of China. Consequently, the group is often referred to as the “Quadrilateral Security Dialogue,” even though its official title remains simply “the Quad.”
China has reacted by accusing the four nations of attempting to establish an “Asian NATO,” despite significant differences; the Quad lacks a mutual-defense agreement, which is fundamental to the NATO alliance. Nevertheless, after a recent Quad summit in September, the White House emphasized that the members are collaborating with various partners in the region to enhance maritime security, boost awareness regarding maritime domains, and ensure libre navigation in the Indo-Pacific.
The Quad experienced a period of dormancy shortly after its inception, remaining inactive for a decade until it was revitalized during President Donald Trump’s administration. During his first term, Trump collaborated with the leaders of Japan, Australia, and India to bring the Quad back into active discussions. Under President Joe Biden, interactions were elevated to leader-level summits, with the most recent occurring in Biden’s home state of Delaware. During this period, defense cooperation among Quad nations has strengthened, with Japan, Australia, and the U.S. all increasing their defense budgets, while India has managed to maintain its levels.
At the Delaware summit, the member nations committed to enhancing coordination between their coast guards to bolster their operational effectiveness, with personnel from India, Japan, and Australia participating in joint exercises aboard U.S. vessels in the area. Additionally, Japan and Australia have been revising their defense policies, exemplified by Australia joining the AUKUS partnership with the U.S. and the U.K. to procure nuclear-powered submarines and other advanced military technologies.
The future of the Quad remains uncertain; it is unclear whether Trump will maintain the format at the leader level or revert to meetings between top diplomats. However, the scheduling of a Quad meeting in Washington directly following the inauguration suggests that its prominence will likely endure.
During his confirmation hearing, Rubio labeled China as “the most potent, dangerous and near-peer adversary this nation has ever confronted,” underscoring that the concerns that led to the revival of the Quad during Trump’s presidency have only escalated. China has increased its assertive territorial claims, which have led to direct confrontations with countries like the Philippines. Additionally, China aims to establish a capable “blue-water” navy that can operate far beyond its shores, including efforts towards constructing nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, posing a rising global challenge.
Before meeting with Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong underscored the importance of U.S.-Australia relations, describing them as “our most important strategic relationship.” She expressed satisfaction that the Quad nations convened so soon after the inauguration, stating, “It’s a demonstration of the collective commitment of all countries to the Quad, an iron-clad commitment in this time where close cooperation in the Indo-Pacific is so important,” she noted to reporters in Washington over the weekend.
