Amid increasing tensions in the South China Sea and the potential for conflict over Taiwan, the U.S. Department of Defense is intensifying its diplomatic efforts in the Indo-Pacific region to counter China’s expanding regional threats and ambitions. Recently, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin held a meeting with counterparts from Japan, Australia, and the Philippines, forming a new defense partnership known as the “Squad.”
This quadrilateral alliance is one of several regional partnerships the United States has established to counter China’s assertiveness in the broader Indo-Pacific region. Notable partnerships include the Quad (U.S., Australia, India, and Japan) and AUKUS (Australia, U.K., and U.S.). These partnerships reflect the Biden administration’s “minilateral” foreign policy approach in the Indo-Pacific region, aimed at maintaining pressure on China’s aggressive behaviors.
China perceives the new “Squad” as another U.S. effort to contain China within its Indo-Pacific Strategy. Beijing cautions against the “Ukrainization” of the Philippines, portraying the country as a pawn under U.S. influence in the geopolitical power dynamics.
The defense chiefs of the “Squad” met for the first time in June 2023 during the Shangri-La security dialogue in Singapore. In April 2024, the four countries conducted joint maritime patrols in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone amidst ongoing tensions between the Philippines and China. The Squad aims to counter coercion across Asia and ensure defense capability interoperability among the member nations for effective cooperation during conflicts.
Creating this new military coalition enables a more focused and precise security strategy in addressing concerns related to China. While similar to the Quad, the Squad benefits from the participation of Japan, Australia, and the Philippines – established U.S. allies. The unique composition of the Squad provides a clearer direction and better preparation to address security challenges in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.
India’s reluctance to form alliances stems from its longstanding policy of “non-alignment,” translated as “strategic autonomy” or “multi-alignment.” This approach provides flexibility and balance in bilateral and multilateral relationships, influencing India’s cautious approach towards adding security dimensions to groupings like the Quad.
Despite initial apprehensions from India and Australia regarding enhancing security elements in the Quad, rising Chinese aggression in the Galwan Valley and tensions between Australia and China have prompted reevaluation. Initiatives like AUKUS, Supply-Chain Resilience Initiative, and Indo-Pacific Economic Framework further demonstrate the region’s evolving dynamics.
The Quad’s focus on various issues like vaccine diplomacy, climate change, and technology underscores its comprehensive agenda for regional cooperation. While not aimed at being “anti-China,” the Quad adapts to the changing geopolitical landscape while emphasizing maritime security and freedom of navigation.
The formation of the “Squad” enhances the Indo-Pacific security architecture by including the Philippines in a security-focused coalition. While India’s role in hard alliance formations remains hesitant, its strategic positioning in the Indian Ocean Region underscores its commitment to regional security and stability.
As the Quad and Squad initiatives progress, India’s active role in maritime security, defense industry cooperation, and geopolitical alignments signals a proactive approach in shaping the Indo-Pacific region’s future.