By Yoshinari Kurose

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun spoke of the “Quad” framework at a telephonic press briefing on Oct. 20, saying, “We are developing a common understanding about our cooperation. Meetings should become more regularized and at some point formalized.” The Quad is a framework for cooperation among Japan, the United States, Australia, and India in light of the threat of China.

Biegun emphasized that having periodic meetings will strengthen cooperation among the four countries and other Indo-Pacific countries, and enable appropriate responses to natural disasters and economic and security crises.

On Oct. 19, the Indian Ministry of Defense announced that Australia will participate this year in the annual India-U.S.-Japan “Malabar” joint naval exercise, thus clearly showing that the partnership among the four nations is steadily strengthening.

“The Quad remains an undefined entity at present,” said Biegun, adding that it is “premature” to expand it from its current four-country format to include other Indo-Pacific countries, such as South Korea.

Commenting on a future “Quad-plus” arrangement, Deputy Secretary Biegun said, “We will aim to create a ‘Pax Indo-Pacifica,’ in which Indo-Pacific countries achieve peace and development equally.”