In a 3000-word statement that did not mention China,the four leaders took aim at its growing authoritarianism,Beijing’s pursuit of territorial claims in the South and East China seas,and economic intimidation.
“Our vision is for a region that is peaceful and prosperous,stable and secure,and respectful of sovereignty – free from intimidation and coercion,and where disputes are settled in accordance with international law,” the leaders said. “Conscious that ours must not be an era of war,we remain committed to dialogue and diplomacy.”
In his opening remarks,Kishida said the war in Ukraine showed the international security environment had become even more severe. “The open international order based on the law is under threat,” he said.
The Quad,which began as a response to the 2004 tsunami and has transformed into a security grouping that surrounds China geographically and has prompted regional scepticism for its expansion of US power,said it would respect the leadership of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations,Pacific Islands Forum and the Indian Ocean Rim Association.
China’s foreign ministry has described the Quad as “a tool to contain and circle China,and preserve America’s hegemony”,
But the four leaders were careful not to directly name Beijing on Saturday night in Hiroshima and did not respond to questions about whether concerns about China’s rise were driving decisions.