Washington, November 15, 2026: The United States is working to formalise a summit of leaders of the Quad grouping—comprising India, the US, Australia and Japan—next week on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit, a senior American official has said.
US Assistant Secretary of State Dylan Johnson announced the development in a post on X on Saturday, dismissing reports suggesting that the four-nation strategic partnership was weakening under President Donald Trump.
FOUR-NATION STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP IN FOCUS
Johnson said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had held five meetings of Quad foreign ministers over the past two years, including three in the last six months.
He also highlighted regular monthly calls and meetings among the sherpas of the four countries, adding that Rubio’s first official call after assuming office was with Quad ministers.
Rejecting claims that the grouping was losing momentum, Johnson described the reports as misleading.
🌏 ASEAN SUMMIT PROVIDES DIPLOMATIC OPPORTUNITY
The Philippines is hosting the ASEAN Summit as the current chair of the 11-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
A potential Quad leaders’ meeting on the sidelines would bring together the leaders of India, the United States, Australia and Japan to discuss their shared strategic priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.
QUAD’S STRATEGIC BACKGROUND
Established in 2007, the Quad became largely inactive the following year amid concerns about provoking China. The grouping was revived in 2017 as concerns grew over China’s expanding economic, diplomatic and military influence in the Indo-Pacific.
Former US President Joe Biden participated in six Quad leaders’ meetings during his presidency, including two virtual meetings. He hosted the last leaders’ summit in Delaware in 2024.
The latest development comes amid debate over the future direction of the four-nation partnership under President Trump. Washington’s efforts to arrange another leaders’ summit signal continued diplomatic engagement with its Quad partners.
The proposed meeting remains subject to formal confirmation.
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