In the Wilmington Declaration, the Quad group expressed worry about the increasing military presence and aggressive actions in the disputed areas of the South China Sea. They are concerned that these actions are meant to pressure or intimidate others. Using their strongest words yet against China’s actions in the Indo-Pacific (without directly naming China), the leaders of the Quad said they are “seriously concerned” about what’s happening in the South and East China Seas. They pointed out specific actions that are worrying and supported international laws and rulings that China has refused to accept.
US President Joe Biden, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in US.(AP)
In the Wilmington Declaration, released after a meeting between PM Narendra Modi, President Joe Biden, Australian PM Anthony Albanese, and Japanese PM Fumio Kishida in Biden’s hometown, the Quad group expressed concern about the growing military activity in disputed areas and the use of force to pressure others in the South China Sea.
Comparing the Wilmington Declaration to the Hiroshima Declaration from May 2023, when the same four leaders last met, shows that the part about the South and East China Seas is more detailed and direct this time. The four countries also discussed Ukraine, calling for peace, respect for sovereignty, and territorial integrity. For the first time at the leaders’ level, they also talked at length about the situation in West Asia, calling for an immediate ceasefire, a hostage deal, and a two-state solution.
On turbulence in the waters
In response to China’s actions against the Philippines in the sea, the Quad strongly criticized the “dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia ships” and the “increasingly risky maneuvers.” The Quad also opposed attempts to stop other countries from using their resources in the sea.
The Quad leaders stressed that “maritime disputes must be solved peacefully” and according to international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which China has repeatedly refused to follow. They emphasized the importance of UNCLOS and said it should guide all activities in the oceans and seas.
The Quad highlighted the importance of the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea, which ruled in favor of the Philippines against China. Although China did not accept the decision, the Quad called it an important step and a basis for peacefully solving disputes in the region.
On Ukraine
The Quad took a similar stance on the Ukraine war but with some subtle differences in their latest declaration. It mentioned that PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Kyiv was included.
The Quad reaffirmed its commitment to “the principles of the UN Charter, including the territorial integrity, sovereignty of all countries, and peaceful resolution of conflicts.” They also expressed deep concern over the war in Ukraine, especially the severe humanitarian impact. The leaders, who have all visited Ukraine since the war began, stressed the need for a comprehensive, fair, and lasting peace, in line with international law and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Quad countries emphasized the harmful effects of the Ukraine war on global food and energy supplies. They stated that the “use or threat of using nuclear weapons is unacceptable” and urged all nations to avoid threatening or using force against the territorial integrity, sovereignty, or political independence of any country.
On Gaza
A major difference from the Hiroshima summit in 2023 is that a war has been going on in West Asia for almost a year, which was strongly addressed in the Quad’s Wilmington Declaration. The four democracies expressed a strong feeling for peace and stability in the region. They firmly condemned the terror attacks on October 7 but also said that the large-scale loss of civilian lives and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is unacceptable.
The declaration emphasized the need to secure the release of all hostages held by Hamas and said that a hostage deal would lead to an immediate and long-lasting ceasefire in Gaza. It also mentioned a recent UN resolution that calls for a ceasefire through a three-step plan, which the US supports.
The Quad stressed the importance of delivering life-saving humanitarian aid throughout Gaza and preventing the conflict from spreading further. They urged all parties to follow international laws and protect civilians. The group also called for quick and safe delivery of humanitarian relief and highlighted the need for the international community to help with Gaza’s recovery and rebuilding in the future.
All Quad partners reiterated their commitment to a “sovereign, viable, and independent Palestinian state,” while also considering Israel’s legitimate security concerns. They support a two-state solution that allows both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace. They stated that “unilateral actions” that harm the chances for this solution, such as expanding Israeli settlements and violent extremism from all sides, need to stop.
As tensions rise between Israel and Lebanon, the Quad stressed the importance of preventing the conflict from escalating further. They condemned ongoing attacks by the Houthis and their supporters on international and commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, saying these actions are destabilizing the region, interfering with navigation and trade, and putting the safety of ships and their crews at risk.
The Wilmington Declaration shows that all Quad partners share similar concerns about China and want Beijing to follow the rules. They also have common goals in West Asia, including a hostage deal, ceasefire, humanitarian aid, a two-state solution, urging Israel to show restraint, preventing conflict escalation, and opposing terrorism. Similarly, they seek peace in Ukraine that respects sovereignty.Each country have different approaches based on their unique relationships with the main players in these conflicts.