Quad Security Dialogue: Quad Signs Key Minerals Agreement to Strengthen Indo-Pacific Strategic Partnership — China Foreign Ministry: Such Cooperation "Should Not Target Any Third Party"

On Tuesday, May 26, the United States, India, Australia, and Japan signed a new cooperation agreement in New Delhi focusing on key minerals and energy security, announcing enhanced maritime coordination and supply chain collaboration to revitalize the "Quad" mechanism and strengthen its strategic positioning in the Indo-Pacific region. U.S. Secretary of State Rubio emphasized that Quad members not only share democratic values but also exhibit high alignment in economic development models and strategic interests.

According to reports from Agence France-Presse (AFP) and Reuters, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio attended this Quad foreign ministers' meeting. Ten days prior, President Trump had just concluded a state visit to China, publicly suggesting that the U.S. and China could form a cooperative relationship akin to a "G2." This statement has sparked unease among America’s Asian allies, with external observers fearing that as Washington seeks to improve relations with Beijing, the strategic relevance of Indo-Pacific allies might be diminished.

In response, Rubio specifically emphasized that Quad brings together "strong and dynamic democracies," whose members "share firm values" and are highly aligned in economic models and strategic interests. Analysts believe this statement is intended to send a clear signal to allies, reinforcing that Quad remains a crucial pillar of U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy—not a substitute for U.S.-China relations.

Quad to Invest $20 Billion in Critical Mineral Supply Chains

According to the joint statement by the four countries, Quad members plan to mobilize a total of $20 billion in public and private funding to strengthen critical mineral supply chains, including identifying and advancing relevant projects across the four nations. However, the statement did not clarify whether these funds represent additional investments.

Critical minerals have become one of the few areas where the Trump administration continues to promote international cooperation through traditional alliance frameworks. The U.S. is concerned about China's dominant position in key resources for high-tech industries—particularly those related to semiconductors, electric vehicles, and defense production.

Rubio also announced that the four nations will advance two maritime cooperation initiatives: one aimed at integrating maritime surveillance capabilities, and another designed to provide more real-time information support to commercial shipping.

Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong publicly mentioned for the first time that Quad is involved in assisting Fiji’s port infrastructure development.

In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning swiftly stated that such cooperation "should not target any third party." She added: “We likewise oppose forming closed, exclusionary 'small cliques' or group-based confrontations.”

Iran Issue Reveals Divisions Within Quad

AFP noted that the U.S. has recently attempted to leverage the principle of "freedom of navigation" to push allies toward a more unified stance on Iran. Previously, Iran nearly blocked the Strait of Hormuz in response to a joint U.S.-Israel military strike. However, aside from Israel, major U.S. allies have not clearly endorsed Washington’s decision to use force against Iran, prompting frustration among U.S. officials. The U.S. even questioned the reliability of certain partners, having taken action without consulting them beforehand.

Nevertheless, the Quad foreign ministers jointly condemned Iran’s plan to impose tolls on the Strait of Hormuz and stressed the need to ensure uninterrupted global trade through this strategic waterway and the Red Sea region.

Source: rfi

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866305160318983/

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