'Quad Targets China,' Direct Hit on South China Sea Dispute...Pushes for $20 Billion Critical Minerals Investment

Opposition to Attempts to Change the Status Quo in the South and East China Seas

Opposition to Institutionalizing Transit Fees in the Strait of Hormuz

Reaffirmation of the Goal of "Complete Denuclearization" of North Korea

The Quad, an informal security consultative body for the Indo-Pacific region comprising the United States and three Asian allies, reaffirmed its stance on containing China, denuclearizing North Korea, and strengthening supply chain and energy security through a joint statement issued on the 26th. In particular, regarding issues in the South China Sea and East China Sea, the Quad delivered a message targeting China, stating, "We oppose any attempts to change the status quo."

Pointing Out Chinese Military Aircraft, Coast Guard Vessels, and Navigation Disruptions

At the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting held on the 26th at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar (second from left) is speaking. Penny Wong, Australian Foreign Minister (left), Toshimitsu Motegi, Japanese Foreign Minister (second from right), and Mark Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State, are listening. Photo by AP Yonhap News

According to the U.S. Department of State, after concluding the Quad meeting in New Delhi, India, the foreign ministers of the four countries (the United States, Japan, Australia, and India) declared in their joint statement, "Unilateral attempts to alter the status quo by force or coercion escalate tensions and undermine peace and stability in the region," expressing their opposition. They also pointed out the dangerous maneuvers of Chinese military aircraft, coast guard vessels, and maritime militia, as well as the use of water cannons, collisions, and actions obstructing navigation.

The Quad further expressed "serious concerns about the militarization of disputed areas," emphasizing that maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They reaffirmed the significance of the 2016 South China Sea arbitral award, calling it an "important milestone." The South China Sea arbitral award refers to the case where the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague ruled, in response to the Philippines' claim, that China's "nine-dash line" sovereignty claim has no legal basis under international law.

Opposition to Hormuz Tolls...Condemnation of North Korea's Weapons Development

On Middle Eastern issues, the Quad emphasized the importance of ensuring the free flow of global commerce through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. The Quad declared, "We condemn attacks on merchant ships and oppose any measures inconsistent with UNCLOS, including the imposition of transit fees." This statement reflects opposition to Iran's plan to impose transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz.

Regarding North Korea, the Quad reaffirmed its commitment to the goal of "complete denuclearization" and strongly condemned the development of ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction. They also voiced "serious concerns" about North Korea's cyber activities and the use of information technology (IT) workers to finance illegal weapons programs.

Additionally, the Quad pointed out that countries strengthening military cooperation with North Korea are "directly undermining the global non-proliferation regime." This is interpreted as targeting the intensified military cooperation between North Korea and Russia following last year's Russia-Ukraine war.

Strengthening Critical Minerals Supply Chains with USD 20 Billion Investment

On the 26th, U.S. Secretary of State Mark Rubio speaking at the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting. Photo by AFP News Agency

In the area of economic security, the Quad's message on supply chains was particularly aimed at China. The Quad stated, "We have serious concerns about economic coercion, non-market policies, arbitrary export restrictions, and price manipulation," highlighting the need to diversify critical mineral supply chains.

To this end, the launch of the "Quad Critical Minerals Framework" was also announced. The plan is to strengthen supply chain cooperation across mining, processing, and recycling. The Quad countries intend to mobilize up to USD 20 billion (approximately KRW 30 trillion) in government and private sector funding, both through new and existing programs, to reinforce critical minerals supply chains.

In the technology sector, the Quad agreed to expand cooperation in 5G, 6G, and artificial intelligence (AI) and to work towards building a secure digital ecosystem. In particular, they presented the "Pax Silica" initiative—which ties together cooperation in AI, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and critical minerals supply chains—as a core pillar of economic security.

Establishment of an Indian Ocean-Centered COP

To further enhance maritime security cooperation, the Quad decided to expand real-time vessel information sharing systems and Indo-Pacific maritime surveillance collaboration. They will also establish a common operational picture (COP) focusing on the Indian Ocean region.

On counter-terrorism, the Quad referenced the 2025 terrorist incidents in Pahalgam, India, and Bondi Beach, Australia, declaring, "We firmly condemn all forms of terrorism." They also agreed to strengthen law enforcement and regulatory cooperation to address issues such as Southeast Asian online scam centers, as well as human trafficking, drug crimes, and cybercrime.

At the end of the statement, the Quad affirmed, "We support a regional order free from coercion," and announced plans to continue strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific through future summits and additional foreign ministers' meetings.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.