Foreign ministers from Australia, India, Japan, and the United States expressed serious concerns about dangerous maneuvers in the South China Sea during talks in Tokyo. They pledged to enhance maritime security in the region and oppose any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force. The joint statement did not directly mention China but highlighted concerns about militarization of disputed features and coercive maneuvers in the South China Sea. The Quad countries are working on initiatives to maintain a free and open maritime order, including enhancing domain awareness and establishing a new maritime legal dialogue.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian criticized the Quad’s statement, accusing them of creating tension and inciting confrontation. Chinese vessels have clashed with Philippine ships in the South China Sea, although a provisional agreement has been reached to ease tensions. The Quad group aims to bolster maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region through initiatives to improve capacity, awareness, and cooperation. They also highlighted the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and lawful maritime commerce in the region.
In response to an evolving security environment, the U.S. announced plans for a major revamp of its military command in Japan. The allies noted various threats from China, including its aggressive maritime activities. The Quad ministers also emphasized the need to advance cooperation in cybersecurity to protect critical infrastructure and supply chains, including undersea cables. The ministers pledged to strengthen partnerships across the region to promote a more secure and open Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean region.
Following the talks in Tokyo, Secretary of State Blinken and Defense Secretary Austin will hold security discussions with the Philippines as part of the Biden administration’s efforts to counter China’s assertive behavior. Japan’s Foreign Minister stressed the increasing uncertainty in the international order, citing aggression from Russia in Ukraine, attempts to change the status quo by force in the East China Sea and South China Sea, and missile launches by North Korea. The Quad countries are committed to enhancing regional security and cooperation to address common challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Quad’s focus on maritime security and cybersecurity reflects growing concerns about China’s activities in the region. The group aims to maintain a rules-based international order and protect the rights of countries to navigate freely in international waters. By strengthening partnerships and enhancing capacity-building initiatives, the Quad countries seek to promote stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region, while also addressing cybersecurity threats to critical infrastructure.
The joint efforts of the Quad countries to address maritime security challenges demonstrate a commitment to upholding international norms and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region. By coordinating on initiatives to enhance domain awareness, capacity-building, and legal dialogues, the Quad aims to counteract coercive activities in the South China Sea and ensure the security of the region. The Quad countries’ collaborative approach highlights the importance of regional cooperation in addressing common security concerns and safeguarding the interests of all countries in the Indo-Pacific.
