Quad Alliance Faces Internal Strains Amidst US Policy Disputes

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet with his counterparts from Australia, India, and Japan on Tuesday. The meeting, held at the State Department in Washington, aims to bolster efforts to address China. However, reports indicate that trade disputes and other bilateral disagreements are creating friction within the group.

A Chinese expert suggests that the US's tariff policies towards Quad members have caused a negative reaction, weakening the group's unity. Skepticism regarding US reliability in defense cooperation is also eroding trust. The expert believes that the Quad appears to be more of an aspiration by Washington to maintain its dominance, as internal divisions overshadow areas of agreement.

The coast guards of the four nations have initiated the first "Quad-at-sea" mission to enhance operational coordination and interoperability in the Indo-Pacific region. This decision was made at the group's annual summit held in Wilmington, US, last September.

Despite the stated commitment to unity, relationships within the Quad have been strained by the US administration's global tariff policies, which have affected all members. Additional issues are adding pressure to the relationships. For example, the US President has threatened to impose new tariffs on Japan if it does not increase its imports of American goods. Japan also canceled a planned meeting with the US, citing a request from Washington to increase its defense spending.

Furthermore, a review of the AUKUS project, which aims to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines, has caused concern. The US's tariff policies have undermined the economies of its Quad allies, exposing the unilateral nature of US policy and weakening the group's cohesion. Doubts about US reliability in defense cooperation are also growing.

The Quad may only be able to achieve limited consensus in less sensitive areas, such as maritime security. The long-term effectiveness of the group is increasingly being questioned. Tuesday's meeting is an opportunity to refocus attention on the Indo-Pacific region, which the US views as a primary challenge.

The meeting is also an attempt by Washington to repair relationships with its allies and reassert its leadership. By organizing joint maritime coordination, Washington hopes to demonstrate alliance unity and reverse its unfavorable diplomatic momentum. The move also serves to deflect domestic pressures. The current US administration sees the "China threat" narrative as a way to divert public attention and justify its protectionist policies. It also helps obscure America's own structural problems.