If the Quad is to function properly, members must consider forming an economic NATO. China's rulers are intent on ensuring that the Quad is not expanded to include countries in Central Asia, Southeast Asia and the Korean Peninsula, say the writers. They point out how China tried to intimidate Australia on the economic front as the rift between the two countries grew. Last week, China suspended economic dialogue with Australia. "The incident shows that if the Quad is to function properly, members must consider forming an economic NATO - a treaty-based economic alliance, wherein all commit to defending each other economically if China retaliates against any member," the writers say.

Source: Standard Digital May 19, 2021 05:05 UTC