QUAD opposes Chinese attempts to alter status quo in Indo-Pacific; EAM attends meet

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Thursday participated in 3rd India-Australia-Japan-USA Qu Ministerial Meeting with his counterparts Marise Payne of Australia, Toshimitsu Motegi of Japan, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.  meeting holds significance as close relations of four democratic nations' pose a challenge to China and its attempts to establish dominance in Indo-Pacific region.

foreign ministers of Qu countries agreed that y strongly opposed any attempts by China to alter status quo in Indo-Pacific by force or coercion and reiterated ir call for a free open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.

ministers reaffirmed ir mutual support for ASEAN centrality. y reiterated ir commitment to Qu meeting at least annually at Ministerial level and on a regular basis at senior and working levels to strengn cooperation on vancing a free and open Indo-Pacific region, including support for freedom of navigation and territorial integrity.

After meeting was concluded, Jaishankar took to Twitter briefly giving details of meet.

RE | PM Modi To dress COVID-19 Workshop For 9 Neighbouring Countries, Pakistan To Participate

RE | Amid Disengagement With China, Indian Army Deploys Indigenous K-9 Vajra Tank In Lakh

A statement from Ministry of External Affairs said that ministers emphasized ir commitment to upholding a rules-based international order, underpinned by respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, rule of law, transparency, freedom of navigation in international seas and peaceful resolution of disputes.

This comes in view of China's passage of a new law in January giving authority to its coastguard to fire on foreign vessels and demolish structures built in disputed waters.

Ministers discussed Qu's cooperation on COVID-19 response and recovery and climate change and committed to working toger to dress se global challenges. India's efforts at providing vaccines to 74 countries were recognized and appreciated, MEA statement said.

Ministers also discussed countering disinformation, counterterrorism, maritime security, and ongoing crisis in Myanmar.  In discussion pertaining to recent developments in Myanmar, upholding of rule of law and democratic transition was reiterated by India.

RE | China Hits Cana For Statement Against Arbitrary Detention

RE | Uighur Genocide A 'cultural Norm'? Biden Faces Backlash For Not Asking China To Own Up