US President Joe Biden reiterated his commitment to the Quad alliance between the US, Australia, India, and Japan during their annual summit in Wilmington, Delaware. The group aims to strengthen ties and deepen cooperation in response to growing competition with China. Biden highlighted the importance of the alliance by announcing the launch of a new cooperation framework for the four countries’ coastguards.
The Quad was initially established in 2007 but was disbanded due to Chinese opposition. It was revived in 2017 and has gained prominence under Biden’s presidency as the US seeks to counter Chinese influence in the Asia Pacific region. The leaders of the Quad emphasized their support for a rules-based international order, respect for sovereignty, and peaceful resolution of disputes, positioning themselves as defenders of democracy and international norms in the Asia Pacific.
While the leaders did not mention China in their opening remarks, the deepening rivalry with China remains a top foreign policy priority for the US. Tensions between the US and China have escalated over trade issues, Taiwan, the South China Sea, and cybersecurity concerns. The US has also warned China against providing military support to Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
As the Quad alliance continues to strengthen and expand its cooperation, the leaders are positioning themselves as crucial partners in the region. The ongoing competition with China remains a significant challenge for the US and its Quad allies, with China urging the US to move past Cold War mentalities and misinterpretations of its strategic intentions.
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