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| Source:Japantimes.co.jp |
Paul Wilson
CCGS, Sydney Chair (Australia)
Email: info@globalculturz.org
Quad-a group of four nations-is setting new agenda. The idea of Quad or ‘Security Diamond’ was propounded by the former Japanese Prime Minister-Abe Shinzo in 2007 during his state visit to India. It was hibernation since then and no ‘active’ steps were taken to groom the group. The initial focus was to ensure free Indo-Pacific navigation and contain Chinese aggression in the region. Now, the group of the US, India, Japan and Australia-have come up with new agenda to control the spread of Covid-19 virus, boost global vaccination and improve economic growth. However the real issue, though hidden, is to check and balance Chinese expansionism in Indo-Pacific, South and East China Sea.
The Sprit of the Quad is presented in recently held summit, online. It seems, the Quad countries have realized the need to broaden the agenda and carry out more welfare schemes. Just opposing China have been found ‘ineffective’ in contemporary global scenario. “We bring diverse perspectives and are united in a shared vision for the free and open Indo-Pacific. We strive for a region that is free, open, inclusive, healthy, anchored by democratic values, and unconstrained by coercion” states the document supplied by the White House. It is also taking up the vaccination. “China, in a reference to the Quad coalition comprising India, United States, Australia and Japan, on Monday said that certain countries were keen to exaggerate the threat posed by Beijing in order to create discord in the Indo-Pacific region” writes scroll.in.
Quad has created worries in Chinese administration. It has claimed a larger part in South China Sea, despite global concerns and International Court of Justice ruled against this occupation and termed it ‘illegal’. There were several sanctions and diplomatic altercations between the US and China in the last few years. The relationship between Australia and China touched low during Pandemic period of coronavirus. Even, Japanese water boundaries, particularly near Senkaku Islands were violated by Chinese naval ships on many occasions. Indian Army, too, has seen longer standoffs with Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) at different boarder points. These emerging situations in Asia-pacific compelled the Quad Nations to come together and address the security cause, collectively. This time, though, it has been kept in background and other issues like covid vaccination and climate change have been floated on the table.
Security analyst, sometimes, call this alliance as ‘Asian NATO’. Some of them also said that -this the beginning of the new cold-war. China is showing her mighty presence across the globe by initiating One Belt One Road (OBOR) project. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) under the influence of China providing a parallel economic and development platform and offering better finance facilities than the US controlled International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank. An economic and security demarkation is quite visible at global scenario. Will Quad be able to contain Chinese aggression and expansionism? There are some indicators and dynamic activities. We have to observe them closely.
