Hosting the first in-person meeting between Quad leaders recently, the United States has facilitated important discussions about challenges that currently face the globe. These issues range from climate change and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic to struggles in the Indo-Pacific, heightened by China’s growing military presence.
The Origin of Quad & China’s Influence
Quad, short for Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, saw its establishment back in November 2017 with India, Japan, Australia, and the US coming together to formulate a new strategic measure aimed at maintaining the pivotal sea routes in the Indo-Pacific free of any influence. This move was largely driven by China’s assertion over nearly all of the disputed South China Sea, a claim that is contested by Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
In 2020, the trilateral India-US-Japan naval exercises were expanded to include Australia, marking not only the first official grouping of the Quad since its resurrection in 2017 but also the first joint military exercises among these countries in over a decade.
Milestone Meetings & Strategic Partnerships
In March 2021, the leaders of Quad nations met virtually, later releasing a joint statement titled ‘The Spirit of the Quad,’ outlining the group’s intentions and objectives. Just before this meeting, a new trilateral security partnership named AUKUS (Australia, UK, and US) for the Indo-Pacific was announced by the US.
Key Outcomes of the Quad Summit
Several significant facets such as Afghanistan and enhanced cooperation in South Asia were discussed during the Quad summit. Notably, the Quad Vaccine Initiative was introduced under which the Quad nations pledged to donate over 1.2 billion Covid-19 vaccine doses globally, besides the doses financed through Covax.
Health Security & Infrastructure Development
In an effort to strengthen global pandemic radar, the group supported a call for enhancing viral genomic surveillance and expanding the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System. Tackling infrastructure needs, the Quad Infrastructure Coordination Group will identify new opportunities and provide high-quality infrastructure in alignment with the recently announced Build Back Better World initiative by G7.
Climate Change Mitigation Measures
To combat climate change, the Quad countries envisage establishing a Green-Shipping Network, Clean-Hydrogen Partnership, Climate Adaptation, Resilience, and Preparedness. They also plan to update or communicate ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by COP26.
Advancing Education & Technology
The Quad Fellowship will sponsor 100 students per year from each Quad country for masters and doctoral degrees at top STEM graduate universities in the United States. A Semiconductor Supply Chain Initiative has also been proposed to strengthen the supply-chain security for semiconductors.
In the realm of emerging technologies, calls have been made for monitoring trends in advanced biotechnologies and 5G deployment. The Quad Senior Cyber Group is aimed at making shared cyber standards, fostering talent and promoting digital infrastructure’s scalability and cyber security.
Space Cooperation
For the first time, Quad will begin space cooperation with a new working group that facilitates Earth observation satellite data exchange and analysis on climate change risks and sustainable use of oceans and marine resources.
The Future of Quad
As we move forward, it becomes critical for Quad nations to clearly articulate their Indo-Pacific Vision for everyone’s economic and security interests. This will not only reassure littoral states about Quad’s potential regional benefits but also effectively counter Chinese allegations of it being a military alliance. The scope of Quad can be further expanded by inviting other Indo-Pacific partners, such as Indonesia and Singapore.
Last Modified: February 13, 2024