The U.S.-Australia-Japan-India "Quad" Security Dialogue Reboots with Indo-Pacific as Core Strategic Focus — China Calls on Quad: No Targeting of Third Parties

U.S. Secretary of State Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar convened in New Delhi, India, on Tuesday, May 26, marking the third such meeting since September 2024 among the four foreign ministers, aimed at reinvigorating the Quad's momentum centered on the Indo-Pacific region. In response, China’s Foreign Ministry reiterated that any cooperation should not target third parties or undermine mutual trust and collaboration among regional nations.

The foreign ministers’ meeting was originally scheduled for last year but was postponed due to tensions between U.S. President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Modi caused by Trump’s “reciprocal” tariff policies and other issues.

On May 26, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio emphasized in New Delhi: “We are beginning to demonstrate real achievements and tangible progress. Our commitment to this partnership is deep and enduring. This is central and foundational to America’s national global strategy.”

Quad Launches Initiative on Energy Security and Critical Minerals Framework

According to AFP, following the Quad foreign ministers’ meeting, Rubio announced that the United States, Australia, India, and Japan have agreed to launch an initiative on Indo-Pacific energy security and critical minerals framework.

Amid external skepticism about U.S. diplomatic engagement with allies and noted disagreements among members regarding Iran, this initiative carries unusual significance.

In New Delhi, the U.S. Secretary of State stated: “The Quad Critical Minerals Framework will provide our four countries with guidance on leveraging economic policy tools and coordinating investments to strengthen critical mineral supply chains, including mining, processing, and recovery of key minerals.”

It is widely observed that this Quad foreign ministers’ meeting coincides with ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations over a potential agreement to end three months of conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Notably, the foreign ministers of the U.S., Australia, India, and Japan also announced plans to build a port in Fiji, marking the group’s first joint infrastructure project.

Rubio stated: “We will cooperate on port infrastructure, particularly to address the insufficient port capacity in Pacific Island nations, and we are announcing a collaborative plan with Fiji.”

He added that this initiative would be “a concrete demonstration of our group’s ability to deliver high-quality, resilient infrastructure.”

According to AP, Rubio also announced a new “Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Initiative” after the meeting, aimed at integrating surveillance capabilities among Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, and enhancing real-time intelligence sharing across the region.

It is understood that the Quad has previously proposed various initiatives, seeking to strengthen maritime situational awareness across national waters to uphold a “free and open maritime order” in the Indo-Pacific region.

Australian Foreign Minister: Australia-India-Japan-U.S. Launches “Ports of the Future” Partnership

In addition to the U.S. Secretary of State, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said after the meeting that the “Quad Ports of the Future” partnership represents the strongest commitment ever made by the Quad to the Pacific region.

Wong also mentioned that Quad partners will launch a pilot project for port infrastructure in Fiji, though she did not disclose further details.

Beijing on the Quad: No Cooperation Should Target Third Parties

Following the Quad meeting involving the U.S., Japan, India, and Australia, China’s Foreign Ministry reiterated that no cooperation should target third parties or harm mutual trust and collaboration among regional countries.

In a regular press briefing on the same day, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that China has repeatedly clarified its position on the Quad mechanism and consistently holds that cooperation between nations should promote regional peace, stability, and prosperity, and must not target third parties.

Japan and U.S. Foreign Ministers Hold Talks in India on China Policy

According to Kyodo News, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and U.S. Secretary of State Rubio also held talks in New Delhi. This marks the first face-to-face meeting between the two foreign ministers since the recent U.S.-China summit this month.

The report also noted that Rubio may provide updates on the current status of U.S.-Iran negotiations aimed at ending hostilities. Motegi is expected to outline Japan’s position, emphasizing the importance of quickly de-escalating the conflict, including ensuring the safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Motegi is reportedly preparing to advance Japan’s diplomatic cornerstone—“Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP)—and seek U.S. support. Given China’s export controls on rare earths and other materials, stable supply of critical minerals could also become a topic of discussion.

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1866255105526796/

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