Leaders of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States met near Wilmington, Delaware to discuss new security initiatives in the Indian Ocean as part of the Quad grouping. They announced plans to expand the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness, including joint coast guard operations and military logistics cooperation. The leaders also discussed providing critical and security technologies to the Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia, amidst competition with China.
During the meeting, officials were caught on hot mics talking about China, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and President Joe Biden discussing China’s aggressive behavior in the South China Sea, East China Sea, South Asia, and the Taiwan Strait. Biden emphasized the need for intense diplomacy in the face of competition with China.
The Quad leaders also discussed addressing China’s maritime aggression and the need to send a message to Beijing. Analysts noted a shift in the Quad’s focus towards security issues, reflecting growing concerns about China’s intentions. Lisa Curtis, an Asia policy expert, suggested that India’s worries about militarization in the Indo-Pacific may be changing due to China’s recent actions.
The meeting was seen as an effort to institutionalize the Quad ahead of leadership changes in the participating countries. The leaders reiterated their commitment to the Quad’s mission of providing public goods for the Indo-Pacific and standing up for common principles. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted concerns about China’s security ambitions in Pacific island countries and the need to support developing nations in the face of China’s growing influence.
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