President Joe Biden welcomed the leaders of Australia, Japan, and India to his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, for a summit aimed at showcasing the Indo-Pacific partnership he has fostered since taking office. The meeting, which marks the fourth in-person and sixth overall gathering of the leaders since 2021, underscores Biden's efforts to pivot U.S. foreign policy towards the Indo-Pacific region.
Biden sought to elevate the Quad alliance to a leader-level partnership, moving away from Middle East conflicts to focus on opportunities and threats in the Indo-Pacific. The summit, potentially the last before Biden leaves office, featured a personal touch as Biden hosted the leaders at his home and a formal dinner at his high school.
The leaders, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, convened in Wilmington before heading to the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The summit aimed to strengthen maritime security in the region, enhance coast guard collaboration in the Pacific and Indian oceans, and improve cooperation on humanitarian response missions. These measures serve as a response to China's growing assertiveness.
The leaders were expected to issue a joint statement containing strong language on China and North Korea, reflecting a united front. Additionally, they were set to announce initiatives related to Biden's Cancer Moonshot Initiative, a project close to the President's heart following the death of his son Beau from brain cancer in 2015.
As Biden's term nears its end, the formation of a bipartisan 'Quad Caucus' in Congress was celebrated, ensuring the continuity of the partnership beyond the upcoming election. The summit signifies Biden's commitment to strengthening ties with key allies in the Indo-Pacific region.
