As the Quad leaders prepare to gather in Wilmington, Delaware, for their next summit, China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific is set to be a key topic of discussion. Hosted by US President Joe Biden on September 21, the summit will bring together Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to address shared concerns, with China expected to take center stage.
According to John Kirby, U.S. National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications, the challenges posed by China’s actions in the region, including military aggression and trade practices, are too significant to be ignored.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the summit, Kirby emphasized that the Quad leaders have a responsibility to discuss these issues. “It would be a missed opportunity if these concerns weren’t addressed,” he said.
The upcoming summit will also be the first time President Biden hosts international leaders in his hometown. The gathering represents the fourth in-person Quad summit, a forum that has become increasingly important as the Indo-Pacific region grapples with growing tensions.
Despite differing relationships with China among the Quad members, there is an overarching recognition of the problems Beijing’s policies pose. While each nation handles its bilateral ties with China in its own way, Kirby noted that all Quad countries share a mutual understanding of the need to address these challenges collectively.
Beyond China, the summit will cover broader topics of cooperation, including security, economic collaboration, and regional stability. Biden plans to hold individual meetings with each of the three leaders before convening for a larger session, where discussions will focus on enhancing strategic partnerships.
Kirby highlighted the significance of the Quad in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, adding, “This summit will demonstrate that the Quad’s relevance continues to grow, and its strategic alignment is stronger than ever.”
PM Modi is scheduled to visit the United States from September 21 to 23, where he will participate in high-level engagements, including the fourth Quad Leaders Summit and the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
