Quad Summit: In Signal to China, Modi Emphasizes ‘We Are Here to Stay’
At the Quad summit on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the alliance’s commitment to a rules-based international order, asserting that the Quad (India, US, Japan, and Australia) is “not against anyone,” but it is “here to stay.” Modi’s remarks came in the context of ongoing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly related to China’s growing influence.
US President Joe Biden, caught on a hot mic, openly referenced China’s “aggressive behavior,” noting that the country is “testing us all” across various domains, including the South China Sea. Biden’s candid comments provided a rare, direct acknowledgment of China’s strategic maneuvers, which have long concerned the Quad nations. He further indicated that China’s leadership, under Xi Jinping, is trying to balance internal economic challenges while pushing its diplomatic and military agendas.
The Quad’s joint declaration reinforced the group’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, expressing concern over militarization in disputed areas such as the South China Sea. The leaders also condemned any attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo through force or coercion. In addition, the summit addressed global issues such as the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, pledging humanitarian aid and emphasizing the need for peaceful resolutions.
Through this summit, the Quad reaffirmed its stance on cooperation in critical areas like maritime security, emerging technologies, and climate change, while making it clear that they stand for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations in the region.