BANGKOK — On his inaugural day as Secretary of State, Marco Rubio is engaging with foreign ministers from the Quad, a coalition comprised of the United States, India, Japan, and Australia. This assembly represents nearly two billion individuals and constitutes over one-third of the global GDP. Established more than 15 years ago, the Quad has recently gained significant traction in international relations. But what does it truly represent?
The Quad serves as a diplomatic alliance, yet it encompasses a wider array of strategic interactions. Instituted in 2007, this collaboration emerged from the countries’ collective response to the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami affecting the Indian Ocean in 2004. While the members emphasize the alliance’s diplomatic essence, they also focus on regional challenges such as infrastructure development, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, climate issues, and maritime safety.
Security is a vital aspect of the Quad’s agenda, particularly as it aligns with the American goal of counteracting China’s increasing assertiveness and extensive territorial ambitions in the region—most notably in the South China Sea and regarding Taiwan, a self-governing democratic island. Although the term “Quadrilateral Security Dialogue” is often used, the alliance is officially known simply as the “Quad.”
This strategic focus has led to criticisms from China, accusing the member nations of forming a coalition akin to an “Asian NATO.” However, the Quad lacks a mutual defense arrangement, which is a critical element of NATO. The U.S. administration reiterated its commitment to the Quad following a summit, emphasizing collaboration with regional partners to enhance maritime security and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
The Quad’s significance evolved after an initial period of inactivity that lasted a decade. Revitalization began during Donald Trump’s presidency when he engaged with leaders from Japan, Australia, and India. Under President Joe Biden, these discussions escalated from diplomatic meetings to high-level summits, the most recent of which occurred in September in Delaware. Throughout Biden’s tenure, defense collaboration between Quad nations has strengthened, with Japan, Australia, and the U.S. increasing their defense budgets, while India has maintained consistent expenditures.
During the Delaware summit, leaders decided to enhance cooperation among their coast guards to boost operational capabilities, with Indian, Japanese, and Australian personnel participating on U.S. vessels in the region. Both Japan and Australia are revising their defense policies, with Australia entering into the AUKUS pact with the U.S. and the U.K. to acquire nuclear-powered submarines and advanced systems.
The future direction of the Quad under Rubio’s leadership remains uncertain. Whether it will continue at the summit level or revert to discussions among top diplomats could hinge on upcoming diplomatic engagements, including a meeting scheduled for Washington shortly after his inauguration, which indicates continued significance for the alliance.
Rubio has characterized China as “the most potent, dangerous, and near-peer adversary this nation has ever confronted” during his confirmation process. The issues that spurred the Quad’s revival during Trump’s presidency have intensified, with China aggressively pursuing its territorial claims. This has resulted in direct tensions with the Philippines and other nations, alongside advancements toward a substantial naval capability featuring nuclear-powered aircraft carriers—a growing global challenge.
Prior to Rubio’s meeting, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong highlighted the importance of bilateral relations with the U.S., labeling them as the “most important strategic relationship.” She expressed satisfaction with the timing of the Quad meeting following the inauguration, describing it as a testament to the unwavering dedication of all member countries to the Quad. According to Wong, close cooperation in the Indo-Pacific is crucial in these challenging times.
