Leaders of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) on Saturday reaffirmed their commitment to creating a free and open Indo-Pacific that is “inclusive and resilient.”
During the grouping’s Leaders’ Summit in Japan, members noted that, as the “global strategic and economic environment is changing rapidly,” with “direct impacts” on regional countries, the Quad must “navigate this time of uncertainty and opportunity together, working closely with our Indo-Pacific partners.”
With Quad leaders during our meeting earlier today. pic.twitter.com/kDm56o4cOq
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 20, 2023
The group’s joint statement acknowledged that “all countries have a role in contributing to regional peace, stability, and prosperity, as well as upholding international law, including the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the rules-based international order.”
To this end, the group discussed creating “a region where no country dominates and no country is dominated — one where all countries are free from coercion, and can exercise their agency to determine their futures.”
international order based on the rule of law and that the we demonstrate the Quad's solidarity and strong commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (#FOIP). We will continue to strengthen the Quad’s efforts. (2/2) (May 20)
— PM's Office of Japan (@JPN_PMO) May 21, 2023
Chinese Aggression
In reference to Chinese aggression in the region, the leaders voiced their strong opposition to “destabilising or unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion.”
“We emphasise the importance of adherence to international law, particularly as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the maintenance of freedom of navigation and overflight, in addressing challenges to the maritime rules-based order, including those in the East and South China Seas,” it said.
The meeting, which was held on the sidelines of the G7 meeting in Hiroshima, also expressed “serious concern at the militarisation of disputed features, the dangerous use of coastguard and maritime militia vessels, and efforts to disrupt other countries’ offshore resource exploitation activities.”
President Biden met with fellow Quad leaders Prime Minister Albanese of Australia, Prime Minister Kishida of Japan, and Prime Minister Modi of India to discuss their partnership in securing a free and open Indo-Pacific. pic.twitter.com/hKvPZvcabr
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 21, 2023
“We emphasise that disputes should be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law, without threat or use of force,” it stated.
North Korean Aggression
The group also condemned North Korea’s “destabilising ballistic missile launches and pursuit of nuclear weapons,” which violate multiple UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs), as they “pose a grave threat to international peace and stability.”
It called on the regime to “abide by all its obligations under the UNSCRs, refrain from further provocations and engage in substantive dialogue.”