• U.S. President Joe Biden is set to host the Quad Leaders Summit, focusing on escalating tensions in Asia's trade-rich waters.
• The summit will address the South China Sea conflict, increased security cooperation in the Indian Ocean, and illegal fishing fleets in the Indo-Pacific.
• The Quad's agenda also includes health security, cancer treatment, technology, and infrastructure measures, demonstrating its broad scope.
• The potential for a new Quad maritime security initiative has been discussed, signaling a strong stance against China's maritime bullying.

In a significant diplomatic move, U.S. President Joe Biden is set to welcome leaders from Australia, India, and Japan to his Delaware hometown. The primary focus of this gathering is the escalating tensions in Asia's trade-rich waters, a topic that has been a cause for concern in the international community.

This meeting, known as the Quad Leaders Summit, is part of Biden's strategic push to counter China's influence in the region during the final months of his presidency.

The Quad Leaders Summit, scheduled to take place in Wilmington, Delaware, is expected to address the ongoing conflict between Beijing and its neighbors in the South China Sea. Disputes over territory have led to repeated clashes, a situation that U.S. officials have been monitoring closely.

The leaders are also expected to discuss increased security cooperation in the Indian Ocean and measures to track illegal fishing fleets operating in the waters of the Indo-Pacific, a majority of which are Chinese.

The future of the Quad, however, remains uncertain. With Biden set to hand over the presidency after a November 5 election, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stepping down later this month, the continuity of this strategic alliance is in question.

Quad's Broad Agenda and China's Concerns

The Quad Leaders Summit is not solely focused on security issues. The leaders are also expected to discuss health security, cancer treatment, technology, and infrastructure measures. These topics highlight the broad scope of the Quad's agenda, demonstrating its commitment to addressing a range of issues that impact the region.

China's territorial claims in the South China Sea have been a source of tension. Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea, including territory inside the exclusive economic zones of the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam. It also claims territories in the East China Sea contested by Japan and Taiwan. China's view of Taiwan as its own territory further complicates the situation.

Biden has expressed his intention to compete with China without letting their differences escalate into conflict. He is set to speak again soon with Chinese President Xi Jinping. However, his focus on China has been diverted by conflict in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine.

China's stance on the Quad grouping is one of objection. Xi sees it as an effort to encircle Beijing and escalate conflict. A senior Biden administration official clarified that while the partnership is not against China, it seeks to offer alternatives to China.

Potential New Quad Initiative and India's Evolving Stance

The potential for a new Quad maritime security initiative has been discussed. This initiative would send a strong signal to China that its maritime bullying is unacceptable and would be met with coordinated action by the coalition of like-minded nations.

Lisa Curtis, an Asia policy expert at the Center for a New American Security and former U.S. administration official, suggested that such a move could involve the Coast Guard. This would demonstrate that there is a security element to the Quad, despite Indian sensitivities about the grouping avoiding the defense domain.

China's recent maritime aggression could be changing the equation for India, prompting it to become more open to the idea of Quad security cooperation. This shift in stance could be significant, given India's historical reluctance to engage in defense alliances.

The upcoming meeting between Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi could also influence the dynamics of the Quad. India is set to host the next Quad meeting, marking an early expected stop for whoever wins the United States election in November.

Unlike the Cold War-era alliances, where democratic nations banded together to counter the influence of the Soviet Union, the Quad is unique in its focus on the Indo-Pacific region and its emphasis on a broad range of issues, from security to health and technology.

As the leaders of the United States, Australia, India, and Japan gather in Wilmington, the world will be watching closely. The stakes are high, and the decisions made could have far-reaching implications for regional security and international relations.