Leaders of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States met to discuss new security initiatives in the Indian Ocean as part of the Quad grouping, established due to shared concerns about China. The meeting emphasized maintaining the Quad as a foreign policy achievement before President Joe Biden leaves office. During the meeting, plans were announced to expand the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness and to engage in joint coast guard operations. The countries also discussed increased military logistics cooperation.
Before the meeting, officials spoke about providing critical technologies to Pacific islands and Southeast Asia as well as a health initiative to combat cervical cancer. The leaders also discussed China, pointing to its aggressive behavior in various regions and emphasizing the need for intense diplomacy to address the competition.
There were some comments made on a hot mic suggesting that China would be a focus of the discussion, although officials had initially stated that the Quad was not directed at any particular country. Analysts highlighted the importance of the new maritime security initiatives at a time when China is increasing pressure in the South and East China Seas. Biden hosting the Quad signaled efforts to institutionalize the group as leaders in the participating countries are set to transition.
Overall, the meeting aimed to show strategic alignment among the Quad partners and a commitment to providing security and public goods for the Indo-Pacific region. It also addressed concerns about China’s influence in the region and the need for continued cooperation among the Quad members.
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