In wake of China’s actions, Quad emphasises a rules-based order

WASHINGTON/NEW DELHI: Against the backdrop of continuing concerns over China’s actions across the region, the first ministerial meeting of the Quad since the Biden administration assumed office reiterated the group’s commitment to a rules-based world order underpinned by respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty.

US secretary of state Antony Blinken met his Quad counterparts, external affairs minister S Jaishankar, Australia’s Marise Payne and Japan’s Toshimitsu Motegi virtually. They agreed that changes underway around the world made a “strong case for their countries working closely together”, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said in a statement in New Delhi.

Blinken’s first Quad engagement took place amid talk of the first summit-level meeting of the informal grouping that is said to be considering steps towards formalising its engagements. The ministers discussed “cooperation on Covid-19 response and recovery and climate change and committed to working together to address these global challenges,” state department spokesperson Ned Price said.

There was speculation on whether India would continue to work closely with the Quad following progress in its efforts to end the standoff with China in the Ladakh sector of the LAC. While the former Trump administration had talked about formalising and expanding the Quad, questions had been raised on whether the Biden administration would adopt a more cautious approach to the group as a counter-balance to China.

MEA said the ministers “emphasised their commitment to upholding a rules-based international order.”