President Joe Biden expressed his concerns about China’s aggression in the Indo-Pacific during a summit of the Quad alliance. The summit, attended by leaders from Australia, India, and Japan, took place near Biden’s hometown of Wilmington, Delaware. After delivering their opening remarks to the press, Biden privately told his counterparts that China’s recent actions were a ”change in tactic, not change in strategy.” He highlighted China’s aggressive behavior in various regions including the South China Sea, East China Sea, South Asia, and the Taiwan Straits.
The joint declaration issued by the Quad leaders did not mention China or its leader Xi Jinping by name but expressed serious concerns about the situation in the East and South China Sea. Meanwhile, China is facing economic challenges on multiple fronts with disappointing August economic data such as industrial production and youth unemployment. U.S. companies’ optimism towards doing business in China has also reached an all-time low.
Japan has raised concerns after a Chinese aircraft carrier entered its waters earlier this month following territorial incursions by Chinese vessels in August. The Philippines has also criticized Beijing for aggressive actions around contested areas in the South China Sea.
China has been targeting Taiwan with military provocations and cyberattacks as it claims Taiwan as part of its territory. In recent days alone, Taiwan reported multiple sightings of Chinese military planes and vessels near its vicinity.
During discussions at the Quad summit regarding national security adviser Jake Sullivan’s visit to China in August, Biden emphasized that engagement with Beijing was important for conflict prevention amid strategic competition between both countries.
The purpose of the Quad alliance is not solely focused on countering China but rather on constructing a free and open Indo-Pacific region according to Sullivan. However, during face-to-face meetings between Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida as well as Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese separately discussed their shared concerns about coercive activities by Beijing including those occurring within the South China Sea.
As part of their joint initiatives announced at the summit, Quad leaders agreed to expand an existing Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness initiative aimed at monitoring and securing waters while enforcing laws to deter unlawful behavior.
Experts have commented on Biden’s remarks stating that they are consistent with his administration’s approach towards US-China relations. Reactions from allies/partners are expected to be reassuring while unsurprising for Beijing.
