Fri Sep 20 12:59:10 UTC 2024: ## Biden Hosts Farewell Quad Summit at Home Amidst China Tensions
US President Joe Biden will host the leaders of Australia, Japan, and India at his Delaware home this weekend for a farewell summit of the Quad group, a key initiative he championed as a counterweight to China.
The summit, Biden’s last as president, will be held in his hometown of Wilmington, a testament to his deep personal connections with the leaders. The meetings, which include one-on-one sessions and a formal dinner, will take place at Biden’s home and his former high school.
China is expected to be a major topic of discussion, with tensions rising over Beijing’s assertiveness in the South China Sea. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated the leaders share a “common understanding about the challenges that the PRC (People’s Republic of China) is posing.”
The White House has faced criticism for limiting press access to the summit, raising questions about the influence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, known for his media-shy approach. The White House insists Biden will raise human rights concerns with Modi, who has faced accusations of authoritarianism.
The Quad grouping, established in 2007, gained renewed prominence under Biden’s leadership as a strategic alliance to counter China’s growing influence. India will host the next Quad summit in 2025.
The summit will mark a final gathering for the Quad leaders under Biden’s presidency, highlighting his commitment to international alliances and a shared vision for the Indo-Pacific region.
First Piper 