Tokyo:        Top diplomats from Japan, the United States, Australia, and India gathered in Tokyo on Monday to address growing security challenges and reinforce maritime safety and cybersecurity in the Indo-Pacific region amid rising tensions with China.

Hosted by Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, the Quad Ministerial Meeting included U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The discussions focused on Beijing’s assertiveness in the South China Sea and its expansive maritime claims. It also claims self-governing Taiwan as its territory – to be annexed by force if necessary.

The Quad talks aimed to strengthen cooperation on countering cyber attacks, managing disinformation, and enhancing maritime security. Kamikawa emphasized the need for unity among Quad nations to ensure a stable and rules-based international order, citing concerns about regional instability and cyber threats.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong described the current security environment as “the most confronting in decades,” emphasizing the need for respect for sovereignty and responsible competition. The talks also addressed global issues such as Russia’s war in Ukraine and Middle East conflicts.

The meeting followed a “2+2” security dialogue between Japan and the U.S. on Sunday, where both nations labeled China as a significant strategic challenge. They agreed to enhance military cooperation through upgrades to command structures and increased Japanese production of U.S.-licensed weapons.