Quad Leaders Strengthen Security Ties Amid Growing Concerns Over China

Leaders from Australia, India, Japan, and the United States have expanded their joint security measures in Asia's waters amid concerns over China's intentions. The Quad summit, hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden, emphasized enhanced maritime cooperation and military logistics. The group condemned coercive maneuvers in the South China Sea and discussed future collaborations.

Leaders from Australia, India, Japan, and the United States have taken significant steps to bolster joint security in Asia's trade-rich waters, addressing shared concerns over China's expanding influence. Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden hosted the Quad summit near his Delaware hometown, marking a key foreign policy achievement as he prepares to leave office.

The summit saw the announcement of joint coast guard operations to commence next year, featuring personnel from all four nations aboard a U.S. vessel, alongside plans for heightened military logistics cooperation. Despite assurances that the summit was not directed at any specific country, China was a focal point, with the Quad condemning coercive maneuvers in the South China Sea in a joint statement.

China's President Xi Jinping has criticized the Quad as an attempt to encircle Beijing. Biden asserted that despite tactical changes, China's strategic aims persist. The leaders also condemned North Korea's missile launches and cyber activities and discussed providing critical and security technologies to the Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia. A health initiative targeting cervical cancer was also launched by the group.

(With inputs from agencies.)