President Joe Biden recently addressed Indo-Pacific allies, expressing concerns over China’s increasing military assertiveness, which he believes is a test of the region during a turbulent time for Beijing.
Biden’s comments were caught on a hot mic after he and leaders of the Quad delivered opening remarks before the press at a summit he hosted near Wilmington, Delaware.
He described Beijing's moves as a "change in tactic, not a change in strategy," implying that China's perspective on regional conflicts has changed.
China is presently facing difficulties in reviving its economy, which has been negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, with notable declines in real estate and industrial activities.
"China continues to behave aggressively, testing us all across the region," stated Biden, citing several regions of concern, including South Asia, the Taiwan Straits, the East China Sea, and the South China Sea.
He suggested that Chinese President Xi Jinping is trying to address domestic economic challenges while seeking to minimize diplomatic turbulence and gain space for pursuing China’s interests.
The U.S. and China have been at odds since a trade war began in 2018, clashing over various issues, from global security to industrial policy regarding electric vehicles.
The Biden administration has consistently voiced concerns over Chinese aggression, particularly in relation to Taiwan and maritime disputes in the South China Sea.
At the summit, the Quad leaders agreed to enhance cooperation among their coast guards to improve interoperability, though U.S. officials did not clarify if this would include operations in contested waters.
China is involved in long-standing territorial disputes with several nations, including Vietnam and Malaysia, raising concerns about its goals for Taiwan.
The leaders issued a joint declaration expressing “serious concern about the militarization ... and coercive and intimidating maneuvers in the South China Sea.”
Last month, Biden sent National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan to Beijing for discussions with Chinese officials, including a meeting with Xi.
The necessity of managing their complex relationship is highlighted by the desire of both the United States and China to keep relations steady ahead of the impending U.S. presidential transition in January.
The summit marked a significant moment for Biden, who aimed to elevate the Quad partnership during his presidency, transitioning it from foreign minister-level meetings to leader-level gatherings.
This weekend’s summit is the fourth in-person meeting and the sixth overall since the leaders began gathering in 2021.
Biden expressed confidence in the partnership’s longevity, stating, “It will survive way beyond November.”
Hosting the summit in his hometown delighted Biden, who reflected on his educational roots and welcomed each leader individually before their official talks.
Prior to their presentations at the U.N. General Assembly, Biden was joined in conversations by Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese of Australia, Fumio Kishida of Japan, and Narendra Modi of India.
Kishida remarked on the significance of holding the summit in Wilmington, reflecting on his own leadership as he prepared to leave office.
Biden warmly greeted Kishida and provided a tour of his residence, fostering a more relaxed atmosphere for their discussions.
Sullivan described the mood during Biden’s meeting with Albanese as informal, with both leaders discussing global states and sharing political experiences.
Albanese praised Biden as an extraordinary world leader, expressing gratitude for the insights gained during their time together.
Modi's discussions with Biden included recent visits to Russia and Ukraine, along with shared concerns about China’s influence.
Biden and Kishida noted their achievements in strengthening security and economic ties among the U.S., Japan, and South Korea.
Improved relations between Japan and South Korea have emerged amid regional challenges, particularly concerning North Korea’s advancements in its nuclear program.
Biden commended Kishida for his efforts to strengthen ties with South Korea, discussing regional security issues and China's actions.
However, tensions have arisen in U.S.-Japan relations over a proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel by Japan’s Nippon Steel.
The statement from the summit also touched on worries about North Korea's missile launches and underlined how critical it is to address military cooperation between North Korea and other countries.
According to intelligence estimates, Russia has received military assistance from North Korea and Iran throughout its confrontation with Ukraine.
The leaders pledged to improve healthcare access in the Indo-Pacific by allocating $150 million for cancer screenings and HPV vaccinations.
This program is associated with Biden's Cancer Moonshot, an effort to lower the death toll from cancer that was sparked by the loss of his own son Beau to brain cancer.
The leaders' unanimity on important regional issues and their dedication to joint security and health measures were on full display at the summit.
