President Joe Biden reaffirmed the strength and commitment of the Quad alliance between the US, Australia, India, and Japan during their annual summit in Wilmington, Delaware. The group, initially formed in 2007 but revitalized in 2017, aims to counter China’s growing influence in the Asia Pacific region.
Biden previewed plans to deepen the alliance, including a new cooperation framework between the four countries’ coastguards, emphasizing that the Quad is “here to stay.” The leaders presented themselves as defenders of international norms and supporters of a rules-based international order in the Asia Pacific, without directly mentioning China in their remarks.
The leaders discussed the importance of national sovereignty and the peaceful resolution of disputes in the region, emphasizing the need for partnerships like the Quad to address shared responsibilities and goals. The Biden administration views the rivalry with China as its top foreign policy priority, amid mounting tensions over trade issues, territorial disputes, and alleged cyberattacks.
The US has warned China against providing military support to Russia for its war in Ukraine, as tensions between Washington and Beijing continue to escalate. Chinese officials have criticized the US for spreading a “China threat” narrative and urged the country to abandon its Cold War mentality.
The Quad alliance serves as a strategic mechanism for the US and its Indo-Pacific partners to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape and maintain peace and stability in the region. The summit in Delaware underscored the alliance’s commitment to upholding democratic values and promoting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
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