Why in News ?
India wants the Quad to become a system to ensure Freedom of Navigation (FoN) and Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPS) in the Indian Ocean and around.
What is Quad ?
- Quadrilateral Security Dialogue also known as the Quad is an informal strategic forum between the United States, Japan, Australia and India.
- The forum was initiated as a dialogue in 2007 by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan.
- This is widely viewed as an alternative to growing Chinese threat in the region.
- It was temporarily ceased to in 2008 due to diplomatic and governmental changes in the member countries, it regained during the 2017 ASEAN Summits result of tension in South China Sea.
Need for Quad
- China’s recent moves, including its aggression in the South China Sea and transgressions and deadly clashes across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to prevent for a peaceful Sea.
- Coordinated effort to provide financing and sustainable alternatives to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
- To ensure connectivity, sustainable development, counter-terrorism, non-proliferation and maritime and cyber security, with a view to promoting peace, stability and prosperity in an increasingly inter-connected Indo-Pacific region.
- India invites Australia to join Malabar naval exercise along with US & Japan.
- China attempted to hijack multilateral institutions, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) further increases the need for Quad.
- Global supply chain problems, recognizing the vulnerability of their dependence on China.
- Recently China imposed sanction against Australia by stopping import beef, wines, 80 percent tariff on barley imports.
Quad impact on China?
- Most countries depend on the economic relations with China. China has been a manufacturing destination since the 1980s
- Speedy decision making under the authoritarian regime and infrastructural support from Japan has contributed to the rise of China as the factory of the world.
- Quad+ policy of decoupling from China may affect the Chinese world market and economy.
- The introduction of Quad plus countries like Vietnam, South Korea and New Zealand is a positive move as these nation face security issues primarily in the maritime domain.
Challenges to the Grouping
- Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo’s resignation was a blow to the Quad because Abe was one of the major supporter of this initiative.
- Upcoming presidential election in US concern about possible changes in US leadership.
Source : The Hindu
Topic
Prelims : About Quad
GS II : Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
Current Affairs Compilation : 5 September 2020