Meeting in Tokyo on Tuesday, the so-called “Quad” foreign ministers pledged to continue working for a “free and open Indo-Pacific [region].” While Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is more forward-leaning than his counterparts here, China’s own actions will ensure the Quad grows in confidence and size.

Formed by Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, the Quad represents the key democratic powers of the Indo-Pacific region. New Zealand should be a part of the grouping but prefers appeasing Beijing to the responsibilities of maintaining the liberal international order. That said, the Quad is not a unitary defensive bloc a la NATO. Japan exemplifies as much.