President Biden recently hosted a summit with leaders from Australia, Japan, and India at his home and high school alma mater in Wilmington, Delaware. This gathering marks the fourth in-person meeting and the sixth overall gathering of the leaders since 2021. The Quad partnership was initially elevated by President Biden to bring together leaders from these countries to focus on threats and opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region, away from conflicts in the Middle East. The leaders met at the Archmere Academy for joint talks and a formal dinner, with Mr. Biden expressing confidence that the partnership will continue beyond his presidency.
The leaders, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, visited Mr. Biden’s home individually for one-on-one talks before coming together at the school for discussions. The setting at the president’s house was intended to provide a more relaxed environment for the meetings. The leaders discussed a range of topics, including maritime security in the region, humanitarian response missions, and countering China’s assertiveness. Mr. Biden and Modi were expected to talk about Modi’s recent visits to Russia and Ukraine, as well as economic and security concerns related to China. The leaders also aimed to collaborate on reducing cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific.
The summit provided an opportunity for Mr. Biden and Kishida to bid farewell to each other as they both approach the end of their terms in office amid declining public support. The two leaders have worked to strengthen security and economic ties between the US, Japan, and South Korea. They discussed various issues, including support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, Russia’s war against Ukraine, and China’s activities in the Pacific. The US and Japan are currently negotiating a potential acquisition deal between Nippon Steel and US Steel, with the Biden administration voicing opposition to the proposal.
The leaders planned to issue a joint statement containing strong language on China and North Korea, reaffirming their commitment to addressing key regional challenges. The announcement of a new collaboration to reduce cervical cancer in the region aligns with Mr. Biden’s Cancer Moonshot Initiative, a longstanding project aimed at combating cancer deaths. As the Biden administration approaches the end of its term, efforts are being made to ensure the continuity of the Quad partnership through the establishment of a bipartisan Quad Caucus in Congress. The summit reflected the commitment of the leaders to addressing shared challenges and opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region.
Overall, the Quad summit in Wilmington served as a platform for leaders to engage in discussions on various global issues, including security, economic cooperation, and regional challenges. The informal setting at Mr. Biden’s home and alma mater provided a unique backdrop for the meetings, fostering a sense of collaboration and partnership among the leaders. The summit outcomes, including new initiatives on maritime security and humanitarian missions, demonstrate the commitment of the Quad countries to working together to address common concerns and advance shared goals. As Mr. Biden’s presidency nears its end, the legacy of the Quad partnership is reaffirmed through continued engagement and cooperation among the member countries.
