Letters | Why Taiwan joining the Quad is more hope than reality

While Taipei appears to have robust support from three Quad members, its joining the Quad is no sure thing and could bring it closer to the crisis it hopes to prevent

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Female soldiers take part in the Han Kuang live fire drill in Pingtung, Taiwan, in 2019. Photo: Reuters

Published: 2:30pm, 12 May 2022

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In early March, Taiwanese Vice-President William Lai announced Taiwan’s desire to join the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, which comprises the United States, Japan, Australia and India. Incorporating Taiwan into the grouping may have strategic value.

First, it could help draw a red line which China is warned not to cross, given the official recognition of Taiwan on par with some of the US’ closest allies and partners. Second, this categorisation could buttress the Quad’s determination to counterbalance China’s influence.

Coordinated efforts ranging the gamut – diplomacy, economic activities and intelligence sharing – could cement mutual ties. It could also make Chinese leaders think twice before launching military assaults against Taiwan.

Essentially, for Taiwan, the membership ticket lies not in its enthusiasm but in the resolve of Quad members. In the US’ 2022 Indo-Pacific Strategy, Taiwan was hailed as one of America’s “leading regional partners”. The US further underscored its intent to collaborate with regional partners “to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait”.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has backed Taiwan’s attendance at the World Health Assembly as an observer, voiced concerns over China’s increasing coercion against Taiwan and vowed to bolster Japan’s defence of its southwestern islands near Taiwan as tensions with China mount. Australia has been a keen supporter of Taiwan, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Peter Dutton, his defence minister, warning against Beijing ratcheting up military coercion against Taipei.