Published: 11th Apr, 2024
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.
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