Leaders from Australia, India, Japan, and the United States met in Delaware to discuss new security initiatives in the Indian Ocean as part of the Quad grouping. The meeting highlighted the importance of maintaining the Quad as a key foreign policy achievement, particularly for outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden. The leaders announced plans to expand the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness to include the Indian Ocean and collaborate on joint coast guard operations.
During the meeting, discussions focused on providing critical technologies and security cooperation to the Pacific islands and Southeast Asia to counter China’s influence in the region. The leaders also emphasized cooperation on health initiatives, including combating cervical cancer. The meeting aimed to build on the existing work done within the Quad, which was elevated to summit level in 2021.
Following the public statements, a hot-mic incident revealed candid discussions among officials about China’s aggressive behavior in the region and the need for intense diplomacy in response. The comments highlighted the importance of managing conflict and competition with China through engagement and strategic cooperation.
The summit also reflected efforts to institutionalize the Quad ahead of leadership changes in the U.S., Japan, and Australia. Analysts noted a shift towards security issues within the Quad as concerns about China’s intentions grow. The meeting aimed to demonstrate the strategic alignment of Quad partners and their commitment to providing public goods for the Indo-Pacific region.
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