[The Editors' Verdict] Quad Plus: A New Approach Is Needed

The Joe Biden administration in the United States has been strengthening global alliances faster than expected, even though it has been less than two months since its inauguration. Following the declaration of alliance restoration with European countries at the G7 summit and the Munich Security Conference at the end of February, the administration held the first-ever Quad summit on the 12th, involving the United States, Japan, Australia, and India. The Quad, which emphasizes alliances based on values such as democracy and human rights, stated in its declaration that it is a flexible group of like-minded partners committed to promoting a shared vision and ensuring peace and prosperity. Although China was not mentioned in the declaration, the Quad is a core part of the Biden administration’s foreign policy ‘Indo-Pacific Strategy’ aimed at countering China.

The South Korean government, which has been invited to join Quad Plus, has taken a somewhat ambiguous stance. Recently, Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong stated, "If international norms such as transparency, openness, and inclusiveness are upheld, we can cooperate with any regional cooperation body." This appears to clarify the government’s principles. However, this is likely to be perceived as diplomatic rhetoric that does not significantly depart from the ‘strategic ambiguity’ previously maintained. Even if the Quad is practically aimed at countering China, the declaration does not include any wording that excludes China. Therefore, it is difficult to refuse participation on the grounds that the Quad creates an exclusive regional structure and is not inclusive.

On the 17th, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin visited South Korea and directly referred to China as a ‘security threat,’ stating that "China is undermining democracy." During talks with Minister Chung, Secretary Blinken said, "China is stripping Hong Kong of its autonomy through coercive means and committing human rights abuses in Tibet and Xinjiang, while the North Korean regime is extensively violating the human rights of its own people." Although quite direct, these remarks emphasized values such as ‘human rights,’ ‘security,’ and ‘democracy,’ which are difficult to dispute. Similarly, since the Quad’s goal is freedom, peace, and shared prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, it is difficult for South Korea to find justification for refusing participation.

Being negative about joining Quad Plus out of fear of Chinese retaliation could be a case of losing the forest for the trees. Watching China too closely may actually provoke greater pressure from China. Although it is uncertain in what form the Quad will expand, since the Biden administration has elevated it to a summit level, regular meetings with the leaders of the U.S., Japan, Australia, and India will at least be possible. There is also potential to use this as a channel to improve Korea-Japan relations. Strengthening cooperation with India, a key pillar of the New Southern Policy, could yield tangible results. Although President Biden emphasized the importance of the Korea-U.S. alliance by referring to South Korea as a ‘linchpin’ for peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia, compared to the past when the U.S. defined South Korea as a linchpin in the Asia-Pacific region, South Korea’s value as a strategic partner has significantly declined. Economically, it must be considered that future growth will be difficult if South Korea is excluded from the U.S.-centered ‘Clean Network Initiative’ to strengthen the digital economy bloc, the launch of the ‘NextG (6G) Alliance’ involving major tech companies, the formation of the ‘Economic Prosperity Network (EPN),’ and the ‘Multilateral Action on Sensitive Technology (MAST)’ for protecting sensitive technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). The Quad, which was established in 2007 but fizzled out within a year, was revived in 2017 under the leadership of the Shinzo Abe administration in Japan as the threat from China grew. Despite the revived Quad’s anti-China stance, there was no Chinese retaliation. Rather, China demanded expanded economic exchanges with Japan and Australia, which holds significant implications for South Korea.

Professor Kang In-soo, Department of Economics, Sookmyung Women’s University.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.