Keeping the Quad informal thus grants China time and the initiative. After all, Chinese Communist Party leaders have little need to consult with allies, still less to win them over to Beijing’s policies. China can act. Alliances of equals have no such luxury. If Austin and his counterparts in New Delhi, Canberra, and Tokyo can’t agree on well-defined aims, they can at least explore what is and is not possible for the partnership. That way they won’t be caught off-guard when trouble looms. The chances of concerted action will brighten.

And that may do for now.

James Holmes is J. C. Wylie Chair of Maritime Strategy at the Naval War College. His books are featured on the Navy and Marine Corps Professional Reading Lists. The views voiced here are his alone. This article is being republished due to reader interest.

Image: Flickr.