Janice R. Andrews
During the Quad summit near Wilmington, Delaware, U.S. President Joe Biden was inadvertently recorded expressing concerns about China’s assertive behavior in the Indo-Pacific. Addressing leaders from Australia, India, and Japan, Biden stated, “China continues to behave aggressively, testing us all across the region,” referencing tensions in the South China Sea, East China Sea, and Taiwan Straits.
This unguarded comment contrasted with the summit’s carefully crafted joint statement, which avoided directly naming China. The Quad meeting, aimed at strengthening ties between the four nations, focused on regional stability without explicitly identifying Beijing as a threat.
Biden’s off-mic remarks suggested that Chinese President Xi Jinping is prioritizing domestic economic issues while seeking diplomatic leeway to advance China’s interests aggressively. These statements come amid Biden’s efforts to stabilize U.S.-China relations after years of tension over various issues.
The official Quad statement indirectly addressed regional concerns, opposing “destabilizing or unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion.” The group also condemned North Korea’s missile launches without naming the country directly.
As Biden approaches the end of his term, he emphasized the Quad’s enduring importance in maintaining Indo-Pacific stability, stating, “While challenges will come, the world will change because the Quad is here to stay.” This summit underscored the alliance’s commitment to addressing regional security issues, with Biden’s candid comments highlighting the urgency of the situation in the Indo-Pacific.
