Quad needs more muscle

  

Quad needs more muscle

The Quad will uphold a "free and open Indo-Pacific," their leaders often say. But with cooperation within the U.S.-Japan-India-Australia grouping limited to less-controversial topics, such as vaccine distribution, that vow rings somewhat hollow.
 
The United States Studies Centre, a Sydney-based think tank, has just released a report arguing that the Quad is not living up to its potential. Instead, the authors say, its members should combine assets and capabilities to bolster regional security.
 
Recommendations include refueling, resupplying and repairing ships and aircraft from any of its members at very short notice and "handing off" submarine-monitoring duties from one member to another.