Last updated on August 29th, 2024 at 06:17 am
Tokyo: With a strong and united message, the Quad on Monday reaffirmed its commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Fronted by the foreign ministers of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, it pledged to stand for regional peace and not allow any bid to dominate or coerce other nations.
Commitment to Regional Peace and Stability
During the meeting in Tokyo, the foreign ministers underscored the rules-based international order, with an appeal to accord respect to the sovereignty of the state, human rights, and democratic values. The ministers present were India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, and Australia’s Penny Wong; they gave out words of deep concerns over the recent developments at the East and South China Seas.
Maritime Disputes a Cause for Concern
Without naming China, the Quad expressed profound concern over “actions that seek to alter the status quo by force or coercion.” The statement identified “growing” Chinese military activities, “including PLAAF and PLAN muscling with coast guard and maritime militia vessels across the South China Sea.” The ministers also opposed the militarization of disputed features and urged a faithful adherence to international law, in particular UNCLOS.
Terrorism and Violent Extremism
The Quad further condemned terrorism in all its manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. They are concerned about the acquisition and use of UAVs, drones, and other technologies by terrorist groups. The Quad reiterated that sustained and irreversible action should be taken against the use of terrorist proxies to eliminate safe havens and terror infrastructure.
International Cooperation
They reiterated the need for concerted action against all UN-listed terrorist groups, including Al-Qa’ida, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM).
