Canada, the US, Japan, and South Korea: A New Political Alliance Against Beijing and Moscow?

Ottawa has proposed forming a quadrilateral partnership with Tokyo, Washington, and Seoul to counter Beijing and Moscow, Kyodo News Agency reported on Monday, citing diplomatic sources.

According to them, Canada made this proposal during Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's visit to Ottawa in January.

American diplomats are supporting Ottawa's plan to deepen cooperation with Tokyo and Seoul, the report adds.

Canada's offer is reminiscent of the quadrilateral security dialogue (QUAD) between Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, which is viewed as a counterweight to China's growing influence in the region, the agency notes.

It also reminds that Canada, Japan, and the US are members of the G7, whose summit will take place in Hiroshima, Japan, this May. South Korean President Yoon Seok-youl has been invited by Japanese authorities to participate as a guest.

If the South Korean president attends Hiroshima, Canada’s proposal may be discussed during bilateral meetings at the summit, the report suggests.

According to Kyodo's interlocutors, Japan has informed Canadian authorities that time is needed for the implementation of the concept.