In a recent interview regarding the Quad Summit held in the United States on September 21-22, we explored the implications of this significant gathering. Despite representatives from Japan, India, and Australia asserting that their discussions were not directed at China, the joint statement released after the summit tells a different story. It pointedly referenced alleged “coercion and bullying” in the South China Sea, which seems to play into the prevailing “China threat” narrative.
I posed a question to our expert about the effectiveness of the Quad as a coalition. They highlighted that since its inception, the group has faced challenges in establishing a strong foundation. While it has leveled various accusations against China, the Quad has struggled to make tangible progress on global issues.
The expert described the Quad as a tool for the U.S. to uphold its hegemony and protect its interests, comparing it to a puppeteer guiding its strings. This U.S.-led regional mechanism often attempts to assert itself on matters concerning the South China Sea, motivated by concerns over its diminishing maritime dominance and leadership in the Western Pacific. They warned that the U.S.’s fixation on containing China and its attempt to create an exclusive “club” run counter to current global trends and are unlikely to succeed.
