Can a grouping that declares itself dedicated to upholding the rules-based order not be about China? Amid lengthening geopolitical shadows, the last Quad summit of the Biden administration answered that question in about 2,000 words.
China was not mentioned by name in the lengthy Wilmington Declaration issued at the end of day-long meetings on Sept 21 between the four Quad leaders US President Joe Biden and prime ministers Fumio Kishida of Japan, Narendra Modi of India and Anthony Albanese of Australia.
But no one was left in any doubt as to who the leaders were talking about in a joint statement after their fourth in-person meeting since Mr Biden elevated the Quad to a leader-level summit.
"We are seriously concerned about the situation in the East and South China seas. We continue to express our serious concern about the militarisation of disputed features, and coercive and intimidating manoeuvres in the South China Sea," the Quad statement said.
"We condemn the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels, including increasing use of dangerous manoeuvres. We also oppose efforts to disrupt other countries' offshore resource exploitation activities." That amounted to the most forceful expression of concern to date by the Quad on China's actions, namely its expanded naval and air force presence in the South and East China seas and around Taiwan and its clash-prone assertion of claims over disputed maritime territories.
Before the meetings, which were held in Mr Biden's woodside home and his old high school in Delaware, several White House officials repeated in media briefings that the grouping was not about China.
The Quad isn't really about any other country, said Mr Biden's National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. "Each of the four members of the Quad has their own approach to the PRC. There's not going to be some 'Quad approach' to the PRC," he added.
Esta historia es de la edición September 23, 2024 de The Straits Times.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición September 23, 2024 de The Straits Times.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
EU launches WTO challenge against China anti-subsidy dairy probe
The European Union on Sept 23 launched a World Trade Organisation (WTO) challenge against a Chinese anti-subsidy investigation into imports of European dairy products, in the latest move in a trade spat between Beijing and Brussels.
UK minister promises 'real ambition' ahead of budget
Reeves seeks to project positive vision, vows to set out plans for new industrial strategy
Complaints against car dealers over warranty claims on the rise
Some still require service, repairs done at their authorised workshops
Earn Healthpoints easily with FairPrice Group, Healthy 365 apps’ tie-up
Singaporeans can now earn Health Promotion Board (HPB) Healthpoints more easily when they make healthier food purchases through the FairPrice Group (FPG) app.
Police investigating incident involving boys filmed hitting primary school pupil
The police are investigating an incident involving boys who were filmed hitting a Qihua Primary School pupil.
Vets warn against counterfeit pet supplements, medication
It has been five years since the authorities embarked on a review of the pet sector in Singapore, and the pet business is bigger than ever. The third part of a series looking at breeding, ethics, medical treatments and costs in the industry examines how fake medication and treatments are flooding online platforms. Ian Cheng looks at the issue.
Reformative training for teenage e-bike rider who injured two
A teenage electric bicycle rider who fled the scene after he struck two people, including a wheelchair user, was ordered on Sept 23 to undergo reformative training for at least a year.
STI hits 17-year high as regional indexes post mixed results
• Mapletree Industrial Trust is top gainer on local index • Trio of local banks hit new highs, led by DBS • S. Korea's Kospi up 0.3%; HK's Hang Seng down 0.06%
Obstacles remain in vision of Asean regional power grid
Challenges include connecting national power systems of all 10 Asean countries
Just over half of units at 8@BT condo sold over launch weekend
Bukit Sembawang Estates' Upper Bukit Timah condominium project 8@BT sold 83 units, or 53 per cent, of its 158 units over its launch weekend, at an average selling price of $2,719 per sq ft (psf).
