Quad Leaders Denounce Militarization Amid Sino-Russian Drills

MAY 25 2022·Updated DEC 30 2022

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The Facts

At the Quad Tokyo Summit on Tues., Biden and the leaders of Australia, India, and Japan reiterated their commitment to a "free and open" Indo-Pacific, denouncing "attempts to change the status quo by force" and "the militarization of disputed features."
guardian
During the meeting, China and Russia conducted bomber flights around Japan, fueling tensions in the region. Regional powers fear that China can follow Russia's example and take military actions to expand its sphere of influence.
The Washington Post
This comes a day after the US Pres. warned that if China were to attack Taiwan, the US would respond militarily - although a contrast to previous vague warnings, the White House denies it represents a new approach toward the self-governing island.
ITN
Also on Mon., the US launched the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), a trade deal including other 12 nations to counter growing Chinese influence in the region since the US withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Pact in 2017
ITN
Biden, who arrived in Tokyo on Sun., praised plans to improve Japanese defense capabilities and vowed to collaborate to counterbalance China in the region. He's reportedly also backed Japan's aspirations to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
Al Jazeera
Previously, Biden met South Korea's new Pres. Yoon Suk-yeol to strengthen their economic partnership and address security issues. They announced on Sat. that the US and SK have decided to enhance military drills around the Peninsula to dissuade Pyongyang's nuclear threat.
The Associated Press

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The Spin

Establishment-critical narrative

The old-fashioned US mentality of hegemony as well as ideological and military conflict has brought instability to the Asia-Pacific. Nations in the region should work together to support collective security, stability, and prosperity.

China Daily

Pro-establishment narrative

This trip sends a strong message to North Korea and China by showing that strong relationships between the US and its allies are paramount to the Biden administration. The US is committed to a free and democratic Indo-Pacific, and these alliances are vital to protecting such principles in Asia.