The Quad will build undersea cable systems, fund infrastructure development and telecommunications networks across the Asia Pacific in an expansion of its remit designed to blunt China’s growing influence in the region.
In a 3000-word statement that did not mention China, the four leaders took aim at its growing authoritarianism, Beijing’s pursuit of territorial claims in the South and East China Sea, and economic intimidation. In his opening remarks, Kishida said the war in Ukraine showed the international security environment had become even more severe. “The open international order based on the law is under threat,” he said.
But the four leaders were careful not to directly name Beijing on Saturday night in Hiroshima and did not respond to questions about whether concerns about China’s rise were driving their decisions.The investments will see 1800 positions funded for infrastructure development to design, build and manage infrastructure across the Asia-Pacific, a strengthening of undersea cable networks and the deployment of an Open Radio Access Network with Palau.