Washington, 22 January 2025: A day after Donald Trump assumed the presidency, the foreign ministers of the Quad nations—India, the US, Japan, and Australia—jointly opposed China’s coercive tactics in the South China Sea, reaffirming their commitment to upholding international law.
Meeting in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, the Quad ministers addressed escalating regional tensions.
A joint statement from the U.S. State Department underscored the alliance’s shared goals: “Our four nations maintain our conviction that international law, economic opportunity, peace, stability, and security in all domains, including the maritime domain, underpin the development and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific.”
The ministers strongly condemned unilateral actions aimed at altering the status quo through force, a pointed reference to China’s assertive activities in the South China Sea.
Beijing has been using coercive measures, including its maritime militia, to intimidate and harass fishing and coast guard vessels from countries with overlapping territorial claims.
Reports have documented incidents involving aggressive tactics such as ramming and water cannon attacks by China’s Coast Guard.
China claims nearly the entirety of the South China Sea, often clashing with the exclusive economic zones of nations like the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei.
Discussions on a code of conduct among claimant nations remain fraught, with Beijing rejecting a UN verdict on maritime boundaries.
Speaking at the meeting, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the alliance’s significance amid a volatile global landscape.
“The meeting today sends a clear message that in an uncertain and volatile world, the Quad will continue to be a force for global good,” Jaishankar posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The gathering also marked the debut Quad meeting for U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Other participants included Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi.
In addition to regional security, the ministers pledged to bolster maritime cooperation, economic resilience, and reliable supply chains.
Looking ahead, they committed to regular engagements in preparation for the next Quad leaders’ summit, set to be hosted by India.
The Quad’s firm stance comes as China increases its maritime presence, testing regional alliances and international norms.
The ministers reiterated their vision for a “free and open Indo-Pacific,” built on sovereignty, the rule of law, and democratic values.
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