US President Joe Biden hosted the leaders of Australia, India, and Japan in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, for the annual summit of the Quad alliance. Biden expressed his commitment to deepening the partnership between the four countries, emphasizing that the Quad is “here to stay” despite challenges and changes in the world. The alliance, initially formed in 2007 but disbanded following protests from China, was revived in 2017 and has since gained momentum as a counterbalance to China’s influence in the Asia Pacific region.
During the summit, the leaders highlighted their support for a rules-based international order, respect for sovereignty, and peaceful dispute resolution in the Asia Pacific. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of a free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific as a shared priority among the Quad nations. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stressed the significance of partnerships like the Quad in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
While the Quad leaders did not mention China directly in their remarks, the deepening rivalry with China remains a top foreign policy priority for the Biden administration. Tensions between the US and China have escalated over various issues, including trade, Taiwan, the South China Sea, and allegations of spying and cyberattacks. The US has also warned China against supporting Russia in its war in Ukraine.
As the competition with China intensifies, the Quad alliance is positioned as a strategic platform for like-minded democracies to collaborate on shared responsibilities and goals. Despite criticism from Beijing, the Quad leaders remain united in their commitment to upholding international norms and defending the interests of their nations in the Asia Pacific region.
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