US President Joe Biden welcomed the leaders of Australia, India, and Japan in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware for the annual Quad summit where they pledged to deepen their alliance and cooperation, with a new framework for their coastguards. The Quad alliance was initially launched in 2007 but dissolved amid protests from China, only to be revived in 2017 and elevated by Biden in 2021 to counter China’s influence in the Asia-Pacific region.
While the leaders did not mention China directly in their remarks, they emphasized their commitment to a rules-based international order, respect for sovereignty, and regional stability. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the shared priority of a free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stressed the importance of partnerships like the Quad in managing strategic competition and disputes.
The Biden administration has faced criticism over its support for Israel and India’s targeting of dissidents internationally. The relationship between the US and China has deteriorated due to various tensions, including trade issues, claims to the South China Sea, and allegations of spying and cyberattacks. The US has also warned China against providing military support to Russia in its war in Ukraine.
US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell has called the rivalry with China the most significant challenge in US history, which Beijing criticized as a Cold War mentality. China urged the US to discard the ‘China threat’ narrative and misinterpretations of its intentions. The Quad alliance continues to deepen its partnership as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence in the region.
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