The US’ waning interest in regional relations and its weakening ties with India are eroding American-led alliances in Asia, creating openings for China, a prominent Japanese defence researcher has warned.
“[Regional alliances] are one of the biggest sources of impact – Quad and Aukus, especially Quad,” Masuda said on the sidelines of the Beijing Xiangshan Forum on Wednesday.
“From a Japanese perspective, the Quad is one of the major diplomatic tools to maintain a balance against China, with Australia, India, Japan and the United States.
“But because of [US President Donald] Trump losing interest in that framework, and the US-India deteriorating partnership, Trump decided not to attend the Quad summit, which was to be held in New Delhi. That would be a concern that might be potentially dangerous from the Japanese perspective.”
The Quad – short for Quadrilateral Security Dialogue – brings together Australia, India, Japan and the US.
