The US, India, Japan and Australia have expressed concern about China's activities. At a meeting of the Quad group in the home of US President Biden, the members emphasized the stability of their alliance.
The countries of the Quad group of the USA, India, Japan and Australia expressed their concerns about the situation in the East and South China Seas after a meeting. “We are seriously concerned about the situation in the East and South China Seas,” it said in a statement issued after Saturday's meeting.
Biden invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware.
Concerned looks towards Taiwan
A White House statement said Biden, Kishida and Albanese were concerned about China's “coercive actions and destabilizing activities.” “Peace and stability” must be guaranteed, particularly in the Taiwan Strait. China sees Taiwan as a breakaway province that should be reunited with the mainland – if necessary with military force. Taiwan's military recently reported sightings of Chinese fighter jets, drones and naval ships near the island almost daily.
As host of the meeting, Biden had previously emphasized the stability of the alliance even in the event of a possible change of government in the USA. “There will be challenges, the group of four will remain,” he said. The Quad group will last “well beyond November,” he added, referring to the US presidential election on November 5, which could be followed by a less open foreign policy if former President Donald Trump wins.
The Quad group consisting of the USA, India, Japan and Australia dates back to 2007. Biden had revived the alliance after the isolationist foreign policy of his predecessor Trump. It is intended to provide a counterweight to China's claim to military and economic power.
Meeting in Biden's homeland
With the location of the meeting, Biden underlined the “deep personal connections” with his guests, according to his spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre. The talks took place in his home and his former school in Wilmington, a first as Jean-Pierre emphasized. “I'm very pleased that you were in my home and saw where I grew up,” Biden said.
“The message is: Quad will stay,” Modi also said. The group does not pursue politics “against anyone,” he emphasized, but rather stands for a “rules-based international order.” India is traditionally non-alliance. As part of the Quad group, New Delhi, like the other members, had expressed concern about China's actions in the South China Sea. India will host the next Quad summit next year.
