On 1 July, the foreign ministers of the Quad – Australia, India, Japan and the US – came together for their second meeting of the year in Washington, DC. This gathering, just hours after the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States, was a clear indication of the Quad’s significance to the new US administration. The meeting was a testament to the strong and growing partnership between these four nations, and it sent a powerful message to the world about their commitment to promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Quad, also known as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, was first established in 2007 as a forum for dialogue and cooperation between the four countries. However, it was short-lived as Australia withdrew from the group in 2008. But in recent years, with the rise of China and its assertive actions in the region, the Quad has been revived as a crucial mechanism for addressing common challenges and promoting shared interests.
The second meeting of the Quad this year was a significant step forward in strengthening this partnership. The foreign ministers of the four nations discussed a wide range of issues, including maritime security, counterterrorism, and economic cooperation. They also reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, based on respect for international law and rules-based order.
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the announcement of a new working group on critical and emerging technologies. This group will focus on promoting cooperation in areas such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing, which are crucial for the economic and technological advancement of the region. This move highlights the Quad’s recognition of the importance of staying ahead in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
The Quad also discussed the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the region. The four nations have been working closely together to combat the virus and mitigate its economic and social consequences. The meeting provided an opportunity for them to share their experiences and best practices in dealing with the pandemic, and to explore ways to further collaborate in the fight against this global crisis.
Another significant aspect of the Quad’s second meeting was the participation of the US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo. His presence at the meeting not only demonstrated the US’s commitment to the Quad but also highlighted the growing strategic convergence between the US and its Quad partners. This convergence is based on their shared values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law, and their common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The Quad’s second meeting also comes at a time when the world is witnessing increasing tensions and challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea, its border disputes with India, and its attempts to undermine the sovereignty of other nations in the region have raised concerns among the Quad members. The meeting provided an opportunity for the four nations to discuss these issues and coordinate their responses to maintain peace and stability in the region.
The Quad’s significance goes beyond the Indo-Pacific region. It is a symbol of the growing importance of multilateralism in today’s world. In a time when the world is facing numerous challenges, such as the pandemic, climate change, and economic instability, it is essential for nations to come together and work towards common goals. The Quad is a shining example of this, as it brings together four diverse nations with different strengths and perspectives to address common challenges and promote shared interests.
In conclusion, the second meeting of the Quad this year was a significant milestone in the partnership between Australia, India, Japan, and the US. It showcased the growing strategic convergence between these nations and their commitment to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. The Quad has emerged as a crucial mechanism for addressing common challenges and promoting shared interests, and its importance will only continue to grow in the future. As the world navigates through these uncertain times, the Quad stands as a beacon of hope and cooperation, and its potential to shape the future of the Indo-Pacific region is immense.
