WASHINGTON — The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), comprising the United States, Japan, India, and Australia, is set to scale up its presence in the Indo-Pacific region as it seeks to counter China’s growing influence. At the last Quad summit of US President Joe Biden’s administration, the group reaffirmed its commitment to upholding a “rules-based order,” even as questions about its focus on China continue to surface.
The Quad’s joint statement emphasized the group’s collective goal of promoting regional stability, economic cooperation, and security. While the official language avoided direct mentions of China, the subtext was clear. With Beijing expanding its military and economic footprint across the Indo-Pacific, the Quad nations have been increasingly aligned on measures to push back against China’s assertiveness in the region.
The Quad partners reiterated their shared goals of ensuring freedom of navigation, regional development, and the defense of a rules-based international order. Although the group did not explicitly declare itself an anti-China coalition, its actions and growing presence in the region signal an unmistakable stance against Beijing’s efforts to reshape the regional order.
The statement also outlined plans for greater cooperation on defense, infrastructure development, and technology, as well as expanding partnerships with regional countries to enhance security and economic ties. The Quad’s move to enhance its presence comes as the geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific becomes increasingly tense, with China’s influence casting a long shadow over the region.
The Quad’s expanded initiatives signal the group’s determination to remain a key player in shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific, even as it maintains a delicate balance between cooperation and competition with China.