Quad: As China tensions linger, Biden prepares for first summit with Australia, Japan and India

Morrison previewed the talks in a information convention final week.

"The Quad is very central to the United States' and our thinking about the region," Morrison mentioned.

"This will become a feature of Indo-Pacific engagement. But it's not going to be a big bureaucracy with a big secretariat and those sorts of things. It will be four leaders, four countries, working together constructively for the peace, prosperity and stability of the Indo-Pacific, which is good for everyone in the Indo-Pacific," the Australian PM mentioned.

Joint navy workout routines

On the navy portion of the Quad, cooperation has been rising over the previous 12 months by way of bilateral agreements between Quad companions and joint navy drills.

Final November, Australia joined the annual Malabar workout routines with the US, Japan and India. Performed yearly since 1992, the maneuvers have grown in measurement and complexity lately to deal with what the US Navy has beforehand described as a "variety of shared threats to maritime security in the Indo-Asia Pacific."

The participation of Australia meant all 4 members of the Quad have been concerned within the drills for the primary time since 2007.

All 4 have seen turbulent relations with China over the previous few years.

Indian and Chinese language troops have been concerned in a navy conflict alongside the Line of Precise Management -- the de facto border between the 2 international locations within the Himalayas -- in June, which left troops lifeless on either side after hand-to-hand fight.

Relations between Beijing and New Delhi have been frosty since, with each commerce and know-how disputes arising.

The US, in the meantime, has elevated the tempo of its naval and air missions within the South China Sea, whereas pushing again at Beijing's claims to the huge waterway. It has additionally stepped up help of self-governed Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its sovereign territory.

Asia and China have been a key international coverage focus of the Biden administration because it took workplace on January 20.

It will likely be the primary worldwide journey by Biden Cupboard officers because the US President's inauguration.

Japanese chief anticipated to go to Washington

Kato mentioned in a each day press briefing Monday the Japan-US summit assembly would occur, however the date and particulars haven't been determined.

If confirmed, Suga would be the first worldwide chief to go to the White Home beneath the Biden administration.

Blinken this month cited the US relationship with Beijing as "the biggest geopolitical test of the 21st century." He mentioned there's a want to interact China from a place of energy which may solely be carried out alongside allies and companions.

"China is the only country with the economic, diplomatic, military, and technological power to seriously challenge the stable and open international system -- all the rules, values, and relationships that make the world work the way we want it to," Blinken mentioned within the speech concerning the Biden administration's nationwide safety technique.