At the in-person meeting of the foreign ministers of the ‘Quad’ countries—India, the US, Japan and Australia—in Tokyo on Tuesday, the US did not hesitate to take names, with secretary of state Michael Pompeo openly blaming China for worsening the global pandemic situation.
Pompeo said there was a need to protect “our people and partners from the Chinese Communist Party's exploitation, corruption and coercion,” adding “We have seen it in the south, in the East China Sea, Mekong, Himalayas and Taiwan Straits.”
The other three partners of the Quad used a more diplomatic approach and referred to Chinese tactics only obliquely. Together, they resolved to maintain a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, even as they worked towards a coordinated response to the challenges posed by the pandemic.
This was the second foreign ministers' meeting of the Quad, and as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said, the fact that the meeting was held in person despite the pandemic was testimony to the importance that these consultations have gained, “particularly in recent times.'' He noted that our world today is significantly different from when the last meeting was held in September 2019 in New York.
Jaishankar spoke about India assuming membership in the UN Security Council next year.
“We look forward to seeking collective solutions to global challenges, including global recovery from the pandemic and reform of multilateral institutions,” he said, adding that the priorities of the Quad were of maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
“The objective remains in advancing the security and economic interests of all countries having legitimate and vital interests in the region.” He stressed the need of a rules-based international order, freedom of navigation in international seas, respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty and peaceful resolution of disputes.
Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said that the Quad has a positive agenda and “signals our steadfast commitment to working together to promote an open, inclusive and resilient Indo-Pacific. It is a diplomatic network that assists us as democracies to align ourselves in support of shared interests. We believe in a region governed by rules, not power.''
The reference to China was clear in their speeches.
The ministers discussed the post-pandemic scenario, enhancing access to affordable vaccines, medicine and equipment. According to a statement from the ministry of external affairs, they “exchanged views about regional issues of mutual interest” and agreed to meet regularly.
The Quad was scaled to a foreign minister-level summit last, year. India had been ambivalent about its membership in this order, which both Russia and China see as a grouping meant to exclude them. However, the tensions with China over the past months has underscored the importance of the Quad friendship for India.
Jaishankar also met with Japan's new prime minister Yoshihide Suga and had a had bilateral meet with Pompeo. He will have bilateral meets with Payne and Japan's foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi tomorrow.
