The comments arose during Biden’s farewell summit held in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, which included Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“China continues to act aggressively, testing us across the entire region,” Biden was overheard saying in what were intended as private comments to the so-called “Quad.”
Biden noted that while Chinese President Xi Jinping is addressing “domestic economic challenges,” he is also “seeking to create diplomatic space, in my opinion, to aggressively advance China’s interests.”
However, he asserted that recent “intense efforts” by Washington to ease tensions, including a phone call with Xi in April, have been instrumental in preventing conflict.
The hot mic incident threatened to undermine the careful diplomatic initiatives by all four nations during the summit, which emphasized that their coalition is focused on more than simply countering China.
In their joint statement following the summit, the leaders refrained from directly naming China, despite expressing concerns regarding tensions at its borders.
We are deeply concerned about the circumstances in the East and South China Seas, their declaration stated.
The leaders denounced “coercive and intimidating maneuvers” in the South China Sea, yet did not specify whose actions they were referring to.
Longstanding disputes over islands in the East China Sea have continued to escalate tensions between Japan and China.
Instead, the leaders utilized indirect language, as in previous instances, advocating for a region that remains “free and open” while addressing geopolitical challenges.
Additionally, the shadow of the upcoming US presidential election in November loomed over the summit, with the isolationist former president Donald Trump in a tight contest against Biden’s political successor, Kamala Harris.
Biden expressed confidence that the coalition would endure regardless of the political climate.
Although challenges will arise, the global landscape will evolve because the Quad is here to stay, Biden remarked to the leaders before journalists were asked to leave.
When questioned by reporters about the future of the Quad beyond the November 5 election, Biden responded: Way beyond November. Way beyond November.
Here to stay
Modi has made a similar commitment, a move that will be positively received by Washington, Canberra, and Tokyo as they seek to engage with historically non-aligned New Delhi.
Our message is clear: the Quad is here to stay, stated Modi, who is scheduled to host the next Quad summit in India next year.
Biden, who withdrew from the US presidential race in July due to concerns about his age, infused his farewell summit with personal elements.
The quadrilateral summit was held at his former high school in Wilmington, and he previously opened his home in the city for private, one-on-one discussions with each of the leaders.
I am truly glad that you could visit my home and see where I was raised, he remarked.
The leaders also declared an investment in combating cervical cancer as part of Biden’s “Cancer Moonshot” initiative, which holds special significance for him as his eldest son, Beau, succumbed to brain cancer.
The media was not permitted access to the private discussions at Biden’s residence.
Biden shared images on social media with Albanese and later with Kishida in a wood-paneled drawing room at his home, showcasing the view of a lake from a veranda.
The White House indicated that the summit exemplified Biden’s emphasis on international alliances.
Concerns are mounting about the potential implications if Trump—who has threatened to withdraw the United States from organizations like NATO while expressing admiration for the leaders of Russia and North Korea—returns to the presidency.
