On Tuesday, May 24, 2022, the four leaders of the “Quad” group of countries pledged to work together for a free and open Indo-Pacific region and also to combat climate change. Moreover, they met for talks aimed at countering an increasingly assertive China.
The talk started with three “close democratic partners,” including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The US President Joe Biden criticized Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a global issue, not just a European one. Fumio Kishida, the Japanese Prime Minister, agreed, saying that the same thing should not happen in Asia as well.
According to a US official, Taiwan was not an official item on the Quad agenda. Although, it was expected to be a hot topic a day after Biden defied convention by volunteering US military support for the self-governed island claimed by China.
Mr. Biden emphasized that the US would work alongside its allies to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Biden expressed his views on the Russian assault on Ukraine. It only emphasizes the importance of the goals of the international order’s fundamental principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty. Human rights must always be defended under international law, regardless of where they are violated around the world.
Further Mr. Kishida stated that the Russian invasion “shakes the foundation of international order”. Therefore, it is a direct challenge to the UN principles.
Also, Mr. Modi made no mention of Ukraine or Russia. As India did not vote in the United Nations Security Council on Russia’s invasion, though it did express concern about some civilian deaths in Ukraine.
‘A progressive step forward’
Anthony Albanese made his international debut as prime minister. He mentioned to the group that his priorities were aligned with theirs. Also, he would increase investment in the fight against climate change. Especially, in a region where South Pacific island nations face some of the most direct risks from rising seas.
“As a result, my government will take bold action on climate change and increase our support for regional partners working to address it, including through new funding.”
There are differences among the members of the quad, and the question is how they are addressed and managed. A US official said Biden would look for common ground on India’s stance on Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of a face-to-face meeting.
One of the key questions for the US going into the Quad meeting was how to wean India off Russian-supplied military equipment. And also, whether or not to provide defense aid and other assistance to India to speed up the transition.
