Context

China’s assertive foreign policy has spurred the formation of several minilateral groupings in recent years. The resurgence of the Quad, comprising Australia, India, Japan, and the US, in 2017-2018 and the establishment of AUKUS—Australia, UK, and the US—in 2021 were largely driven by concerns over Beijing’s aggressive and coercive policies. Now, a novel trilateral partnership between the US, Japan, and the Philippines is currently in progress.

1: Dimension- Reasons for Resurgence of Minilateral Groupings:

• China's Assertive Foreign Policy: Beijing's aggressive and coercive policies, particularly in the South China Sea and beyond, have alarmed countries in the Indo-Pacific region and spurred them to form minilateral alliances as a response.
• Concerns over Regional Stability: China with its activity, has raised concerns among neighboring countries about regional stability and security.
• Need for Collective Security: Recognizing the limitations of bilateral engagements, countries have turned to minilateral groupings to strengthen collective security and deterrence against China's hegemonic ambitions.

2: Dimension- Implications of Minilateral Groupings:

• Enhanced Security Cooperation: Minilateral alliances like the Quad and the trilateral partnership between the US, Japan, and the Philippines facilitate enhanced security cooperation, intelligence sharing, and joint military exercises to counter China's influence.
• Balancing China's Power: By forming alliances, countries aim to balance China's growing power and influence in the region, preventing any single country from dominating the Indo-Pacific and ensuring a rules-based order.
• Geopolitical Realignment: The resurgence of minilateral groupings signifies a geopolitical realignment in the Indo-Pacific, with countries aligning themselves strategically to safeguard their interests.
• Diplomatic Pressure on China: It puts diplomatic pressure on China and signals a united front against its aggressive policies, thereby influencing Beijing's behavior and promoting stability in the region.
• Economic Cooperation: Such groupings also promote economic collaboration among member countries, fostering trade, investment, and development initiatives.