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.
Denne historien er fra September 23, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
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Denne historien er fra September 23, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
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BLACK DAY FOR BRITISH PUBS
At her London pub, landlady Kate Davidson has taken to issuing Guinness ration cards, but the beer still ran out amid a British shortage of Ireland's national drink.
Her Last Gifts
It was exhausting, he sighed. But Carol insisted; her name being what it was and his, she said with a big grin, being Chris. Remember, this is the blessed spirit of the season, to give as we have been given.
When You Think About Me
She empties the last drawer and, between stray baubles, there's the cookie tin, the one hunted down from some narrow shop in Liverpool because it didn't ship here.
Gift Of The Magi
Let's say you never intended to use Magi. Let's say you know about all the scandals: the accusations of stolen data, the EU lawsuits, the CEO's abhorrent behaviour. Let's say you don't even believe the outlandish social media claims that the app is magical, like actual magic. You know it's not possible it reads your mind, plumbs your soul, knows your heart's desires. You're not so gullible.
Ho Ren Yung: Steering global brand evolution of Banyan Group
Ms Ho Ren Yung, deputy chief executive of Banyan Group, oversaw the company's brand relaunch in a bumper year of 19 openings in 2024. These included Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto in Japan and Angsana Tengchong in China.
Jury-rigged Hotpot
The Japan Home folding table was just big enough to accommodate two.
Tales of love, peace and hope
The Sunday Times invites five authors to pen short stories around the theme of A Christmas Gift
Japan: Taking centre stage in Singapore and beyond
Scroll through your social media feed this holiday season, and practically everyone you know is in Japan or making plans to vacation there.
UOB: Most influential patron in Singapore art scene
UOB's \"day job\" is handling loans, deposits and a wealth of diverse portfolios. But the bank cemented its role as the most influential patron in the Singapore art scene in 2024, investing good chunks of cash in both arts and arts education.
Fong Chi Chung: Putien restaurants make dining out more affordable
In a year where diners made themselves scarce - preferring to spend their strong Singapore dollars overseas, and leading restaurant owners and chefs to despair over empty dining rooms - this power lister made a power move that others in the industry are watching closely.
