Top diplomats from Japan, the U.S., Australia, and India gathered in Tokyo to address growing tensions in the Asia-Pacific region. The meeting focused on reinforcing maritime safety, cybersecurity, and supporting other countries in enhancing their defenses.
The ministers expressed serious concerns about unilateral changes to the status quo through coercion and highlighted issues such as the militarization of disputed features in the South China Sea. While not explicitly naming China, the joint statement underscored the need to maintain a free-and-open maritime order.
The Quad talks resulted in initiatives to counter cyberattacks, ensure maritime security, and combat disinformation. The ministers also pledged expanded support for countries in Southeast Asia and the Pacific to strengthen their capabilities in these areas.
Efforts will include launching a maritime legal dialogue, focusing on the international law of the sea, and enhancing maritime domain awareness in the Indian Ocean. The Quad nations aim to contribute to regional stability and prosperity through cooperation and coordination.
Initiatives such as building cybersecurity capacity in the Philippines and India, installing a secure telecommunications network in Palau, and improving connectivity through resilient infrastructure were highlighted. The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to upholding freedom of navigation and lawful maritime commerce.
The meeting emphasized the importance of stability in maritime, cyber, and space domains for regional prosperity. The Quad nations seek to protect the foundations of prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and promote an international community of coexistence and coprosperity.
While territorial disputes with China were not openly discussed, the ministers acknowledged the need to manage disputes through dialogue and cooperation. The Quad nations are working towards a world where conflicts are resolved peacefully, without resorting to force or power.
Japan and the U.S. recently held security talks, labeling China as the greatest strategic challenge. Plans for military cooperation, including upgrades to command structures and bolstering defense capabilities, were discussed.
Japan's efforts to strengthen its military capabilities and arms industry were highlighted, reflecting a shift from its postwar self-defense stance. The signing of a deal to sell Japanese-made Patriot missiles to the U.S. marks a significant step in Japan's arms export policy.
The Quad nations' commitment to regional security and cooperation underscores their shared vision for a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
