Editorial: Strong message to China

Quad has become the vehicle to shape the techno-politics of Indo-Pacific and also counter China

The recently-concluded summit of Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue), a four-nation alliance comprising India, the United States, Australia and Japan, has sent out the strongest- ever message to China over its territorial hegemony, particularly the coercive and intimidating actions in South and East China Sea. Hosted by United States President Joe Biden in his home town Wilmington, Delaware, and attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian and Japanese counterparts Anthony Albanese and Fumio Kishida respectively, the meeting was held against the backdrop of growing geopolitical tensions in West Asia and other regions, and China’s increasing belligerence. While Modi, on his part, reiterated India’s commitment for a free and open Indo-Pacific that abides by a rules-based international order, the Wilmington Declaration, issued after the meeting, was quite harsh on China and expressed concern over militarisation of disputed areas and coercive manoeuvres in the Indo-Pacific region. The four countries also laid out their positions on Ukraine, a festering conflict zone, and called for peace and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. For the first time, itextensively dealt with the situation in West Asia, calling for a hostage deal and ceasefire immediately and a two-state solution. Quad has become the vehicle to shape the techno-politics of the Indo-Pacific and also to counter the growing influence of China. It serves as a critical forum not just for cooperation among democracies but also for ensuring an open, free and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

The grouping should not be seen merely as an anti-China alliance but as a multilateral forum working on a wide range of areas of cooperation to ensure regional peace. Quad partners are working side-by-side with regional allies to bolster maritime security, improve maritime domain awareness, and uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific. India will certainly stand to benefit from such a formidable grouping of democracies, a treaty that holds the potential to emerge as a decisive factor in ensuring a stable balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region. Founded in 2017, the key mandate of Quad is to address China’s aggressive behaviour and promote the principles of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. The idea is to draw clear red lines for Beijing and insulate other countries from becoming dependent on China’s economic and technological patronage. Consistent international pressure alone will force China to adhere to a rules-based international order, transparency and freedom of navigation in the international seas. Quad members feel threatened by China’s growing militarisation in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Rim regions. The issue of free navigation is central to the agenda of Quad. China is involved in territorial disputes in both the South China Sea and the East China Sea. It claims sovereignty over the entire South China Sea, while Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Taiwan have competing claims.

---