Joe Biden received the prime ministers of Australia, India and Japan in the United States – Photo: Mark Schiefelbein/AP/Profimedia
During a private meeting with the leaders of Australia, India, and Japan, U.S. President Joe Biden warned that China is “testing us” through its aggressive actions in the region. The meeting took place on Saturday in Wilmington, Delaware, where Biden hosted Prime Ministers Fumio Kishida (Japan), Narendra Modi (India), and Anthony Albanese (Australia). Despite the confidential nature of the discussions, several remarks by Biden were picked up by the press after microphones were accidentally left on, according to France Presse.
Biden’s Strong Stance on China
During the closed-door talks, Biden emphasized that China continues to act aggressively, testing the patience of the international community, particularly in the East and South China Seas.
“China continues to act aggressively, testing us throughout the region,” Biden stated.
He noted that while China is currently focused on internal economic challenges, President Xi Jinping is seeking diplomatic space to aggressively pursue China’s interests abroad. Biden also highlighted that recent “intense efforts” by Washington, including an April phone call with Xi, had helped ease tensions to some extent.
Quad Statement: No Direct Mention of China, But Focus on Regional Freedom
Despite Biden’s sharp rhetoric, the official statement from the Quad summit, released on Saturday, avoided direct references to China. The leaders of Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S. expressed “serious concern” over the situation in the East and South China Seas but refrained from naming any specific country.
The statement condemned “coercive and intimidating maneuvers” in the South China Sea, without specifically blaming any nation.
China has long claimed sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, ignoring international court rulings that its claims have no legal basis. Additionally, disputed islands in the East China Sea remain a source of long-standing tension between Beijing and Tokyo.
Overall, the Quad leaders reiterated the importance of keeping the region “free and open” and underscored the need to address current geopolitical challenges.
