US President Joe Biden recently hosted the leaders of Australia, India, and Japan for a Quad alliance gathering in Wilmington, Delaware. Biden emphasized the importance of democracy, stating that the Quad is here to stay and that democracies know how to get things done. While the focus of the Quad was not explicitly on China, Biden did mention China’s aggressive behavior in various regions.
Following the meeting, a joint statement was issued by the White House and Quad members, highlighting their commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. They condemned destabilizing actions and expressed concerns over recent missile launches and aggressive behavior in the maritime domain. The leaders also pledged to partner in various areas such as health security, disaster relief, climate and clean energy, cybersecurity, and more.
In addition to regional issues, the Quad leaders also addressed global challenges such as the war in Ukraine, North Korea’s ballistic missile launches, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They expressed their commitment to achieving peace and stability in the Middle East and emphasized the importance of securing the release of all hostages held by Hamas.
The Quad leaders have met multiple times in the past and have committed to regular consultations and cooperation at all levels. They have also pledged to secure funding for Quad priorities in the Indo-Pacific region to ensure a lasting impact. The next Quad foreign ministers’ meeting will be hosted by the US in 2025, followed by the next Quad leaders’ summit in India in the same year.
Overall, the Quad alliance gathering emphasized the importance of democratic unity and cooperation in addressing regional and global challenges. The joint statement reflects the commitment of the Quad members to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and addressing shared aspirations and challenges.