On his first full day in office on Tuesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held the first Quad ministerial meeting with Australia, India and Japan and jointly agreed to change the status quo in the Indo-Pacific through indirect but clearly forceful action. Warned against. Warning to China on its activities in the sea. This was the first meeting of top diplomats from the China-focused group after Trump returned to the White House.
Rubio met his counterparts Penny Wong of Australia, Subramaniam Jaishankar of India and Takeshi Iwaya of Japan in Washington. In a joint statement, the four countries reiterated their “shared commitment to strengthening a free and open Indo-Pacific, where the rule of law, democratic values, sovereignty and territorial integrity are upheld and protected.”
In an apparent reference to the threat that China would take action over its claim of sovereignty over democratically ruled Taiwan, the statement said, “We also firmly oppose any unilateral action that would be taken by force or coercion.” Tries to change the status quo.”
The ministers also confirmed they would work to hold the Quad summit previously scheduled for this year in India, which would mean an early visit by Trump to the growing US partner, who is often seen in Washington as a hawk against China. It is seen as a protective shield.
“It is significant that the Quad (foreign ministers’ meeting) took place within hours of the inauguration of the Trump administration,” Jaishankar said on Twitter after the meeting.
“This underlines its priority in the foreign policy of its member states,” he said.
Participated in a fruitful meeting of Quad Foreign Ministers in Washington DC today. Thank you @secrubio For hosting our and fm @SenatorWong And Takeshi Iwaya for his participation.
Importantly, the Quad FMM took place within hours of the inauguration of the Trump administration. it… pic.twitter.com/uGa4rjg1Bw
– Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) 21 January 2025
China has repeatedly attacked the Quad – a grouping conceived by the late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and expanded by former President Joe Biden at leaders’ summits – saying it is a threat to the growing Asian power. There is an American conspiracy to encircle.
The Quad grouping met several times during the administration of former President Joe Biden, focusing on Beijing’s military and economic activities in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the South China Sea where US allies have pushed back against Beijing’s territorial claims. Emphasized.
Trump’s China retreated
Meanwhile, Rubio also met the three foreign ministers separately on Tuesday. News agency Reuters quoted a person involved in planning the meetings as saying that Trump officials were also working on the schedule of another gathering of foreign ministers at the White House.
China’s confrontation with America’s ally Philippines is increasing over its assertive claims in territorial disputes. The four countries – the US, India, Japan and Australia – share concerns about China’s growing power in the Indo-Pacific region and analysts said the meeting was designed to signal that countering Beijing is important for Trump. Top priority – who have vowed to push back rising China.
At his confirmation hearing, Rubio vowed to prevent China from attacking Taiwan, a self-governing democracy that it claims as its own. The Republican senator previously said he would emphasize the importance of working with colleagues “on things that are important to America and Americans” during the meeting.
