One year ago, on September 12, 2023, the White House announced a significant diplomatic event. President Joe Biden was set to host a summit of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, commonly known as the Quad, on September 21, 2023, in Delaware. This gathering brought together leaders from Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, representing a combined population of over 1.8 billion people and a GDP of approximately $30 trillion.
The Quad, initiated in 2007 and revived in 2017, has emerged as a crucial forum for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. This area, covering about half of the Earth's surface, includes some of the world's busiest shipping lanes and is home to major geopolitical hotspots such as the South China Sea.
White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre outlined the summit's objectives:
"The Quad Leaders Summit will focus on bolstering the strategic convergence among our countries, advancing our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and delivering concrete benefits for partners in the Indo-Pacific in key areas."
This meeting built upon the first in-person Quad summit held in Washington, D.C. in 2021, demonstrating the group's commitment to regular high-level dialogues. While not a formal military alliance like NATO, the Quad has conducted joint military exercises, including the Malabar naval drills, and has addressed non-military issues such as COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
The concept of a "free and open Indo-Pacific," first articulated by Japan in 2016, has become a central theme for the Quad. This vision stands in contrast to China's growing influence in the region, which has led some to view the Quad as a counterweight to Beijing's ambitions.
Each Quad member brings unique strengths to the partnership. Australia has been a U.S. ally since 1951 through the ANZUS Treaty. India, the world's largest democracy, contributes significant demographic and economic weight. Japan has been a key U.S. ally in Asia since the end of World War II.
As the Quad continues to evolve, it faces both opportunities and challenges. While the group has been criticized by China as an "Asian NATO," its members emphasize their commitment to regional stability and cooperation. The Delaware summit marked another step in the Quad's efforts to shape the future of the Indo-Pacific region.