Washington, D.C.: The Quad nations—comprising the United States, India, Japan, and Australia—held their first ministerial meeting under President Donald Trump’s second administration on Tuesday. The meeting, chaired by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, focused on countering coercive actions in the Indo-Pacific, signaling a unified stance against China’s growing assertiveness.
Rubio was joined by India’s Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Australia’s Penny Wong, and Japan’s Takeshi Iwaya. The gathering marked a renewed commitment to strengthening the Quad’s shared vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
A Clear Message to China
The Quad ministers issued a joint statement emphasizing their opposition to "unilateral actions" aimed at altering the regional status quo through force or coercion. While not explicitly naming China, the statement referenced concerns over Taiwan and Beijing’s activities in the South China Sea.
“This meeting underscores the priority the Quad holds in our foreign policies,” India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, stated in a post on X.
Focus on Regional Security
The meeting also laid the groundwork for a Quad summit scheduled to be held in India later this year. President Trump is expected to attend, underscoring India’s pivotal role as a key US partner in countering Beijing’s influence in the Indo-Pacific.
Secretary Rubio, in his confirmation hearing, had emphasized working with allies to deter any attempts by China to invade Taiwan. His discussions with the Quad ministers reinforced this objective.
China’s Reaction and Ongoing Tensions
China has repeatedly criticized the Quad as a US-led strategy to contain its rise, but the grouping maintains its focus on regional stability and adherence to international law. Beijing’s increasing friction with nations like the Philippines over territorial disputes highlights the growing need for a unified response, analysts say.
The Trump administration has placed a renewed emphasis on confronting China’s influence, with the Quad serving as a cornerstone of its strategy.
The Road Ahead
Rubio’s separate meetings with his Quad counterparts reinforced bilateral ties and discussed strategic priorities. With Texas-sized ambitions for a stronger Indo-Pacific, the Quad is preparing to push back against China’s assertive moves in the region, setting the tone for Trump's foreign policy in his second term.
