Opinion

A less muscular Quad is evolving

Australia needs to catch up with the shift towards inclusive regionalism and a less China-confronting, less defence-oriented mission.

Anthony MilnerSouth East Asia expert

May 23, 2023 – 11.01am

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The busy agenda flowing from the mini-Quad meeting in Hiroshima is not going to change the world, as US President Joe Biden declared. It may be more of a smokescreen, disguising the Quad’s evolution towards a less China-confronting, less defence-oriented mission.

Australia needs to catch up with this, and hedge our strategic investments. The Quad deserves continuing support, but it is best to be realistic.

Anthony Milner is International Director at Asialink and has served on the Howard government's Foreign Affairs Council.