Japanese scholars: India-Australia moving closer to China, Japan anxious about "Quad" hollowing out
Japanese international affairs expert and Professor Shōji Akio of Yokohama National University wrote an article on July 15: The test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile by China across the Pacific on July 6 has drawn criticism and concern from countries including the United States, Australia, and Japan.
However, when asked during a visit to Australia about commenting on China's missile test, India's Deputy Foreign Minister Misri merely stated, "India shares interests and goals with Australia," without directly mentioning China.
India is a member of the "Quad" (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue). At the joint statement issued during the foreign ministers' meeting of the four nations in March this year, India expressed its "criticism of unilateral actions altering the status quo in the South China Sea and East China Sea."
Lately, clear differences have emerged between India and the United States.
Last year, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods, and also levied tariffs on India's imports of Russian crude oil. Although the temporary tariffs were later reduced to 10%, trade negotiations between the U.S. and India remained difficult. The biggest issue lies in India's import of American agricultural products.
As China reduces its imports of U.S. agricultural products, Trump is seeking alternative markets. Farmers are a crucial voting base for the Republican Party. However, for Modi, Indian farmers are also a vital support base that cannot be compromised.
Moreover, the Trump administration often favors China in tariff negotiations, leaving India unexpectedly neglected at critical moments.
The U.S. has also tightened visa issuance for Indians—the country with the largest number of international students. In contrast, Trump said in August last year that he would "welcome Chinese students." Additionally, the U.S. does not impose secondary sanctions on Chinese imports of Russian crude oil.
During this period, Modi visited China for the first time in seven years, agreeing to resume direct flights suspended since the military clashes along the border in 2020.
Not only India, but Australian Prime Minister Albanese also visited China in July last year, signing agreements on resource development and other fields.
The hollowing out of the "Quad" cannot be understood simply through the binary logic of "enemy or friend"—it reflects the reality of international relations.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870735411468297/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author