Biden and ‘Quad’ Leaders to Discuss Maritime Security Amid Rising Tensions with China, Reports Reuters

By Trevor Hunnicutt

Tensions in Asia’s trade-rich waters are at the forefront as U.S. President Joe Biden hosts leaders from Australia, India, and Japan in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware. This diplomatic gathering aims to strengthen efforts to counter China’s influence in the final months of his presidency.

As Biden prepares for the Quad Leaders Summit, discussions will likely focus on the ongoing conflicts between Beijing and its neighboring countries in the South China Sea, where territorial disputes have led to repeated confrontations. U.S. officials indicate that the agenda will also emphasize increased security cooperation in the Indian Ocean and efforts to track illegal fishing activities, predominantly involving Chinese fleets, in the Indo-Pacific region.

Expectations for their joint statement are high, with officials anticipating stronger language regarding the South China Sea disputes and North Korea’s threats compared to previous meetings.

Biden will soon be transferring the presidency after the upcoming election on November 5, which could see his vice president, Kamala Harris, or Republican candidate Donald Trump, who has promised a more aggressive stance on China and has questioned traditional U.S. alliances, taking office.

Questions linger about whether the Quad will maintain its momentum following Biden’s presidency, especially with the expected leadership transitions in Japan and Australia. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is slated to resign this month, and Australia is gearing up for elections next year.

On Friday evening, Biden hosted Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at his personal residence for one of the series of private meetings that will occur during the summit.

A senior U.S. official expressed confidence, stating, "You’ll see a number of different signs throughout this meeting and the deliverables that the Quad is a bipartisan institution that is here to stay."

In addition to security, the Quad is likely to tackle issues related to health security, cancer treatment, technology, and infrastructure.

China claims nearly the entirety of the South China Sea, infringing on the exclusive economic zones of several nations, including the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam. It also asserts claims in the East China Sea that are contested by both Japan and Taiwan, and regards Taiwan as its own territory.

Biden has expressed his commitment to competing with China without allowing tensions to escalate into conflict. He is scheduled to engage in further dialogue with Chinese President Xi Jinping, although his focus on U.S.-China relations has been complicated by crises in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine.

Xi has criticized the Quad alliance, perceiving it as an attempt to encircle China and increase hostilities.

A senior Biden administration official noted, "It’s no secret that this is a partnership that, although it is not against China, seeks to offer alternatives to China."

Experts suggest that a new maritime security initiative from the Quad would send a powerful message to China regarding its maritime conduct, indicating that such behavior will face coordinated opposition from this coalition of like-minded countries.

Lisa Curtis, an Asia policy expert, commented that China’s recent maritime assertiveness might be shifting India’s stance, prompting the country to consider more cooperation under the Quad framework.

Trump has signaled plans to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi next week, with India being set to host the next Quad meeting, marking a significant stop for the next U.S. president following the November election.