Mon Sep 23 17:53:21 UTC 2024: ## Biden Calls Out China’s “Aggressive” Behavior at Quad Summit

**Delaware, USA** – During the latest Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) summit, President Joe Biden made candid remarks about China’s increasingly assertive behavior in the region. Speaking with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Biden stated that China “continues to behave aggressively, testing us all across the region” in the South China Sea, East China Sea, South Asia, and the Taiwan Straits.

Biden specifically addressed China’s actions in the South China Sea, where its coast guard has rammed and used water cannons against Philippine vessels, and its challenges to Japanese control over the Spratly Islands. He also suggested that Chinese President Xi Jinping is “looking to buy himself some diplomatic space…to aggressively pursue China’s interest.”

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian responded by accusing the U.S. of trying to contain and exclude Beijing, and using the Quad to maintain its dominance.

The Quad, a strategic alliance of the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia, often focuses on China, though Biden has emphasized its aim to uphold international law and foster regional cooperation rather than directly containing Beijing.

While some experts, like Ryan Hass of the Brookings Institution, considered Biden’s remarks consistent with the administration’s approach to U.S.-China relations, others, including Justin Bassi of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, expressed disappointment that the Quad’s joint statement did not directly mention China.

Despite tensions, diplomatic relations between Washington and Beijing have eased somewhat after Biden met with Xi in November. The two leaders discussed contentious issues and agreed to resume high-level military communications.

The Quad summit produced a number of new initiatives, including a first-of-its-kind Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission, where personnel from India, Japan, and Australia will sail aboard a U.S. Coast Guard ship to improve maritime interoperability.

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