The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) - 1

Quad isn't a NATO-like group but can push China to form a Himalayan Quad. Quad's evolution will be determined by its ability to mix global challenges in the interests of a wider range of countries.

Amid increasing recognition of the Asia-Pacific Region (APR) as the engine and centre of future global development and growth, it is important to highlight the historic event held on 12 Mar 2021 - the high-level virtual summit of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) of the US, Japan, Australia and India. The unofficial format of the Quad has been promoted by its participants since 2007, at the behest of Tokyo with varying degrees of activity, national involvement and success.

The rapid analysis of the thematic publications of the leading Asian - mainly Indian - analytical centres suggest the following general conclusions. Predictably, the key narrative has been a cause-effect link between the increase in action of the Quad and China's unilateral and expansionist actions in the region. In this regard, the new US administration seeks to involve its regional partners in the confrontation with Beijing, including within the Indo-Pacific Region.

As the Quad approaches the intended institutionalisation, its participants seem determined to work more closely with key regional actors. Thus, to reassure the ASEAN member countries amidst the geopolitical turbulence, the leaders reaffirmed their strong support for ASEAN's unity and centrality. However, many ASEAN countries do not want to openly take sides between the US and China. Most of them welcome the US presence in the region. Concurrently, they are aware of the benefits of cooperation with China, which will in any case remain the main trading partner.

Having regard to the plans of France, Great Britain and Germany to deepen cooperation with the Indo-Pacific Region, experts do not rule out the future expansion of the Quad. While maritime safety dominated the summit agenda, the focus was on the impact of COVID-19 on the economy and human health, climate change, common challenges in cyberspace, critical technologies, counterterrorism, investment in quality infrastructure, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The Quad leaders agreed to launch a vaccine cooperation program for the Indo-Pacific Region, with a focus on Southeast Asia (ASEAN), which, if successful, could be replicated in other sectors. The stated goal of the initiative is to address a severe healthcare challenge by creating opportunities for rapid vaccination of a large number of people. Clearly, this initiative deserves approval and support. A closer look, however, reveals a latent attempt  to counter China's vaccine diplomacy - Health Silk Road - which already covers more than 60 countries around the world.

In many ways, the Quad's decision to focus on fighting the pandemic marks a new approach to China. While the Biden administration continues to adhere to Trump's methods on this issue, it also seeks to create the added value, especially in terms of building multilateralism and creating a complex challenge to Beijing.

.........to be continued.

Tailpiece.

Got up at our usual time, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. 

Participated in the Aazhchakkoottam : "Music Therapy" by PJ Ignatius, Music Director from 1600 - 1730 hrs. An interesting interaction!