Heads of state and government from the USA, Australia, Japan and India discuss Indo-Pacific cooperation

The heads of state and government of America, Australia, Japan and India will meet in Washington DC on Friday (September 24th) to discuss Indo-Pacific cooperation amid the growing power of China in the region.

US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meeting last March, but this is the first time they have met in person.

“The leaders The quad will focus on strengthening relationships and driving practical collaboration in areas such as combating COVID-19, combating the climate crisis, partnership in technology and cyberspace, and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific, “said the spokeswoman for the White House, Jen Psaki.

China continues to build military outposts in the region and use them to back up claims that it controls the vital sea route.

The meeting in Washington DC comes just days after the announcement of the cooperation between the US, UK and Australia to supply Australia with nuclear submarines.

The new deal angered France because it said it had undermined its agreement with Australia to supply diesel-powered submarines to the kangaroo nation. To protest against this, France called back its ambassadors from America and Australia.

China condemned the deal, calling it undermining peace in the region. [em/ka]