In recent years, the global geopolitical landscape has been increasingly dominated by discussions about maintaining a free and open rules-based international order. This topic took center stage during the recent Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FMM), where the Quad members—Australia, India, Japan, and the United States—reaffirmed their commitment to these principles.
Deep Embedding of Quad in Foreign Policies
Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, a long-time advocate of the Quad, emphasized the deep integration of the Quad into the foreign policies of its member states. He highlighted how the group has expanded its agenda over the past few years, encompassing a wide array of issues from trusted telecom technology to humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR), critical and emerging technologies, cyber and health security, climate action, infrastructure, capacity building, STEM education, maritime domain awareness, and counterterrorism. This broad spectrum of cooperation showcases the Quad’s commitment to addressing both traditional and non-traditional security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
Strengthening HADR and Maritime Domain Awareness
One of the key areas of focus for the Quad has been enhancing HADR capabilities and maritime domain awareness. The Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness initiative, a notable outcome of the Quad’s efforts, aims to link information fusion centers to ensure a coordinated response to maritime challenges. Additionally, the deployment of the Open-RAN network in Palau and the planned launch of a space-based climate warning system in Mauritius are tangible examples of the Quad’s proactive approach to regional security and climate resilience.
Commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific
The overarching theme of the Quad FMM was the unwavering commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. This vision is anchored in principles such as freedom, human rights, rule of law, democratic values, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The ministers underscored the importance of peaceful dispute resolution and adherence to the United Nations Charter, emphasizing that no country should dominate or be dominated, and that competition should be managed responsibly. This message, while not explicitly naming China, clearly addresses concerns about Beijing’s assertive actions in the South and East China Seas.
Practical Cooperation and Regional Stability
The Quad’s joint statement highlighted practical cooperation across various domains, including maritime security, critical and emerging technologies, cyber security, health security, climate change, and infrastructure. The commitment to transparent and fair lending practices to address the debt crisis further underscores the Quad’s dedication to sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific.
Adherence to International Law and UNCLOS
A critical aspect of the Quad’s agenda is the emphasis on adherence to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Quad expressed serious concern over the situation in the South and East China Seas, opposing any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo through force or coercion. The ministers reiterated their opposition to the militarization of disputed features and the use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels for coercive purposes.
Enhancing Maritime Security and Cooperation
The Quad announced the launch of a Quad Maritime Legal Dialogue under the Quad Maritime Security Working Group to bolster efforts in upholding the rules-based maritime order. This initiative aims to enhance collaboration and coordination with regional partners, contributing to a free and open maritime order in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Additionally, the Quad’s support for regional maritime domain awareness through initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) reflects its commitment to regional security.
Promoting Cybersecurity and Technology Cooperation
In the realm of cybersecurity, the Quad reaffirmed its commitment to a secure, stable, and accessible cyberspace. The establishment of the Quad Cyber Ambassadors Meeting to discuss capacity-building projects and responsible state behavior in cyberspace marks a significant step forward. The Quad’s collaborative efforts in enhancing cybersecurity in the Indo-Pacific region, including supply chain security and the protection of critical infrastructure, demonstrate its proactive approach to emerging security challenges.
Vision for the Future
The Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting underscored the importance of a free and open rules-based international order, with a strong focus on democratic values, sovereignty, and regional stability. While the discussions subtly addressed concerns about China’s assertive behaviour, the Quad’s commitment to practical cooperation, adherence to international law, and proactive engagement in regional security initiatives paints a hopeful picture for the future of the Indo-Pacific. Through these efforts, the Quad aims to ensure that all countries in the region can exercise their agency freely, contributing to a more stable, prosperous, and secure global order.
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