Despite the absence of a leader-level summit, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or “Quad” partners (Australia, India, Japan, and the United States), have been hard at work.
This year, which saw multiple cabinet-level meetings among the Quad countries, the group collaborated to modernize three ports in Fiji and build a Quad-supported telecommunications network in Palau. Notably, both projects are in the Pacific Islands, where China’s expanded economic and security presence has raised serious concerns. As the Quad evolves, it is moving beyond mere diplomacy to undertake practical initiatives across the Indo-Pacific.
Practical cooperation is rooted in the very origins of the Quad when the United States, India, Japan, and Australia first came together after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami to coordinate disaster relief. This was well before the four countries held their first diplomatic meeting in 2007. Nearly two decades later, the cooperation has continued and is taking new forms.
This year has been particularly busy, with Quad foreign ministers meeting three times in New Delhi, Manila, and Atlanta. The latest meeting, held on the sidelines of the G20 in Atlanta, reviewed progress on infrastructure, connectivity, and maritime cooperation. Throughout the year, the Quad has also prioritized concrete projects, operational coordination, and cooperation with Pacific Island states.
In Fiji, the Quad is working with the government to modernize the ports of Suva, Lautoka, and Rokobili. The U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation is supporting the development of a strategic framework for Fiji’s ports, while Australia is assessing a new transshipment facility.
For Palau’s telecommunications project, its national provider has selected three American companies to supply technology for a secure nationwide 4G/5G network. The network is expected to be operational by March 2027 and will be the first commercial deployment of Open Radio Access Network technology in the Pacific Islands.
In May, the Quad partners also highlighted their “commitment to expand and secure resilient connectivity” and disclosed that they have “provided tangible support to ensure that all Pacific Island Forum countries are connected via undersea cables by 2026.” In September, three Quad members, Australia, Japan, and the United States, alongside Pacific Island governments, funded and completed the 2,250-kilometer East Micronesia Cable, which now connects Nauru, Kiribati, and the Federated States of Micronesia.
Through these projects, Quad countries are helping regional governments in a strategic geography address their infrastructure needs while offering viable alternatives to Chinese suppliers and financing.
A second area of focus and concrete deliverables has been at sea and through operational coordination. This year, from Sept. 25 to Oct. 7, coast guard representatives from all four countries sailed aboard the Indian Coast Guard vessel Shaunak from Chennai to Perth during the second Quad-at-Sea mission. The first Quad-at-Sea mission took place last year when the nations’ coast guards sailed between Palau and Guam. Japan also hosted its first Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network exercise in September this year to improve coordination during natural disasters, building on the cooperation that first brought the grouping together.
Even as the year ends, the Quad will continue to work, and on Nov. 5, all four navies will begin the Malabar 2026 naval exercise south of Japan, focusing on anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare training, among other activities. Additionally, Quad export-credit agencies will meet in Tokyo on Nov. 18, while the first exercise under the Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Collaboration initiative is planned for 2027.
Hosting a regular cadence of diplomatic meetings remains important to show continued political engagement at the highest levels and ensure the Quad grouping remains a priority for the four governments.
As the Quad evolves and undertakes new projects, it should also increasingly measure progress against concrete deliverables that bring economic security and prosperity to the wider Indo-Pacific region, as well as new operational initiatives that enable the four countries’ forces to better defend one another and fight together when needed.
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[ H/T The Daily Signal ]
