Leaders from Australia, India, Japan, and the United States announced plans for new security initiatives in the Indian Ocean during a meeting hosted by outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden. The meeting was held to emphasize the importance of maintaining the Quad, a grouping established due to shared concerns about China. Plans were announced to expand the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness to include the Indian Ocean region. Additionally, joint coast guard operations and military logistics cooperation were discussed.
The leaders also highlighted cooperation in combating cervical cancer and providing critical security technologies to the Pacific islands and Southeast Asia. The meeting was the sixth leader meeting for the Quad, with discussions focusing primarily on China. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and President Biden were caught on hot mics discussing China during what was supposed to be a private meeting, highlighting concerns about Chinese aggression in the region.
Analysts believe that the Quad’s emphasis on maritime security initiatives at a time when China is increasing pressure on territorial rivals sends a message to Beijing. The meeting was part of efforts to institutionalize the Quad ahead of leadership changes in the U.S., Japan, and Australia. The leaders discussed providing support to developing nations, including addressing China’s security ambitions in Pacific islands. Overall, the Quad summit aimed to demonstrate strategic alignment and commitment to providing public goods in the Indo-Pacific region.
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