Quad summit shows strengths and limits of Biden's foreign policy

The US-crafted 'lattice of cooperation' in Asia is a success, but the structure has inherent limitations.

- Susannah Patton

The recent Quad summit was something of a victory lap for President Joe Biden's Asia strategy.

Despite global challenges - Afghanistan, Ukraine and Gaza - the Biden administration has strengthened US alliances and partnerships in the region almost beyond recognition.

Raising the Quad to leaders' level and holding four in-person leaders' meetings is just one achievement in what US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has described as building a "latticework of cooperation". The "latticework" terminology, which has also been taken up by Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, refers to more flexible cooperation with greater connections between US allies: for example, between Japan and Australia, or Japan and the Philippines.

Beyond the Quad, the Biden administration has supported Aukus, involving Australia and the UK and the "Squad", a group involving Australia, Japan and the Philippines, primarily aimed at supporting Manila in the South China Sea. Under Mr Biden, the US has put ties with South Korea back on a sturdier footing, as well as revitalised trilateral cooperation with South Korea and Japan.