Is the U.S. Re-Focusing on the Indo-Pacific? Rubio: Quad Members to Launch New Cooperation in Maritime and Mineral Sectors
On Tuesday, May 26, the United States, India, Australia, and Japan jointly announced new cooperation in maritime and mineral fields during a summit held in India, aiming to reinvigorate the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)—a coalition closely watched by Beijing. Amid growing international skepticism over the U.S.'s commitment to its alliances and internal disagreements among members regarding Iran, this joint statement carries unusual significance.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended the summit. Just ten days prior, President Trump had concluded a state visit to China, during which he praised the potential for a "G2-style" partnership between the two nations—an idea that has alarmed America’s allies. Fearing marginalization and diminished strategic importance amid China’s rising power, these allies are increasingly anxious about their position in the global order.
Speaking to foreign ministers gathered at the event, Rubio stated that the QUAD brings together “strong and dynamic democracies” that “share firm values,” “hold similar views on economic development,” and “possess numerous common interests.”
Rubio announced that the four nations would collaborate on two maritime initiatives: first, integrating national maritime surveillance capabilities; second, providing more timely and high-quality real-time information for commercial shipping traffic. Additionally, for the first time, Australia’s foreign minister revealed that the QUAD alliance will cooperate to support port development in Fiji, a South Pacific island nation. In recent years, China has significantly increased its influence in the region. Rubio also urged the QUAD to strengthen collaboration to secure critical mineral supply chains.
This marks one of the few diplomatic areas receiving attention under the current Trump administration. Concerned about China’s dominance in key resources for high-tech industries, the U.S. is now re-engaging with allies through network-building strategies to counter the challenge.
Last year, Rubio chaired the QUAD foreign ministers’ meetings twice. However, since Trump resumed office in early 2025, no leaders’ summit has been held within the alliance.
Disagreements exist among members on issues such as Iran and Ukraine. India’s foreign minister noted that the discussion would primarily focus on the “Indo-Pacific region.” In fact, beyond differences over Iran, India also diverges clearly from other members on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—India has refused to sever its long-standing ties with Moscow.
Australia’s foreign minister emphasized that due to “deteriorating strategic conditions and serious economic tensions,” many challenges require urgent attention in Asia. Australian Prime Minister Albanese is among the few leaders who have expressed some understanding of the Iran conflict—but Canberra has not provided military support, drawing criticism from Trump.
Japan and India have traditionally maintained friendly relations with Iran, though both have previously complied with U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil purchases under pressure.
Rubio also stressed on Tuesday that the Trump administration aims for the QUAD to prioritize tangible outcomes rather than merely holding meetings. He affirmed that cooperation is “advancing quite actively.”
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1866242790109324/
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