The first summit of Quad, known as the consultative body of the United States, Japan, India and Australia to contain China, was held at the White House.
The quad leaders met once at a videoconference in March, but this is the first time they have met face-to-face.
At the first summit meeting today (25th), the leaders of each country emphasized the importance of a ‘free and open Indo-Pacific’ with one voice and, in effect, began to contain China in earnest.
“Six months ago, we made concrete commitments to advance a common positive agenda for a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said U.S. President Biden, who hosted the conference. “Today I am proud to say that great progress is being made. It’s nice,” he said.
Prime Minister Modi pledged cooperation that the vaccine aid initiative would be of great help to the Indo-Pacific countries, and evaluated that the Quad cooperation would ensure prosperity and peace in the Indo-Pacific.
Prime Minister Morrison said that the Indo-Pacific is a place where there is no coercion, sovereignty is respected, and disputes must be peacefully resolved in accordance with international law.
Japanese Prime Minister Suga also said the meeting demonstrates strong solidarity between the four countries and a firm commitment to a common vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
(Photo = Getty Images Korea)
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