by India Today World Desk: Quad leaders on Saturday indirectly attacked China as they condemned “destabilizing or unilateral actions” that seek to change the status quo through force or coercion, and called for a free and open Indo-Pacific region reiterated his unwavering dedication to according to a Guardian The report, although China did not explicitly mention the context, was clear, especially in light of its recent military assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
The joint statement stresses opposition to actions that aim to change the status quo through force or coercion. It had a diplomatic tone that appears to indicate China’s economic strategy to gain influence over less prosperous countries as well as its military expansion in the Pacific.
The statement expressed serious concern about the militarization of disputed facilities, the provocative use of coastguard and maritime militia vessels, and efforts by other countries to disrupt the exploitation of offshore resources. The comments were apparently directed at China’s construction of bases on former offshore reefs and harassment of non-Chinese ships in disputed waters.
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The Quad leaders also mourned the dire humanitarian consequences of the ongoing war in Ukraine and called for its solution through dialogue and diplomacy.
“Recognizing that our age must not be one of war, we are committed to dialogue and diplomacy. We support a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in line with the United Nations Charter. In this context, we agree that the use, or the threat of use, the matter of nuclear weapons is serious and unacceptable,” he said.
In a bilateral meeting with Russian President Putin in the Uzbek city of Samarkand on 16 September last year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said “today is not the age of war” and urged the Russian leader to end the conflict. This formulation was welcomed by many European leaders and was subsequently mentioned in several diplomatic documents.
Modi, in his address at the summit, described the Indo-Pacific region as an important engine driving global trade, innovation and growth. They underlined the importance of strengthening the Quad’s constructive agenda and achieving concrete results for the region. Additionally, Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to the Quad leaders to hold the next summit in India in 2024.
The Quad leaders further unveiled a ‘Vision Statement’ titled ‘Enduring Partners for the Indo-Pacific’, expressing their commitment to act as a “force for good” in finding common solutions for the benefit of the entire region Did. The statement stresses the importance of international law, peaceful dispute resolution and respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter, including the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states.
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The leaders expressed deep concern over the war in Ukraine, acknowledging its serious impact on the global economic system, including on food, fuel, energy security and critical supply chains. They pledged to continue providing humanitarian assistance to aid Ukraine’s recovery.
In the maritime domain, the Quad leaders emphasized adherence to international law and the protection of freedom of navigation and overflight.
They also stressed the need for peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, rejecting the use or threat of force. They also unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism, including cross-border terrorism, and called for working comprehensively and proactively with regional partners to enhance capabilities to prevent, detect and respond to such threats in compliance with international law. Took a resolution
The coalition also reaffirmed its commitment to promoting accountability for the perpetrators of terrorist attacks and condemned the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai and Pathankot.
(With inputs from PTI)