TIBETAN LEADERSHIP PRAISES BIDEN, MODI’S STANCE AT QUAD SUMMIT, 2024

By Yangchen Lhamu

DHARAMSALA, Sept 24: Tibetan leaders have swiftly responded to remarks made by US President Joe Biden and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding China at the recent Quad Summit, underscoring the evolving dynamics within the alliance, reports the Business Standard.

QUAD, also known as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or simply the Quad, is a strategic forum comprising four countries: the US, Japan, India, and Australia. It aims to promote regional security and economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

On September 21st, the four leaders of the Quad, namely Kishida Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan; Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia; Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India; and Joe Biden, President of the US, met for the Quad Leaders Summit hosted by the United States in Wilmington, Delaware.

These four leaders expressed their strong concerns about the situation in the East and South China Seas. They emphasized that changes in these regions should not be imposed through force or coercion, advocating for peaceful and diplomatic solutions. They opposed any country taking unilateral actions to change the status quo by force or coercion. They emphasized the importance of following International Law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to address maritime disputes.

In simpler terms, these leaders aim to promote peace and stability in the region, ensure that countries follow International Law, and prevent any aggressive actions that could lead to conflicts. This joint statement is significant because it confirms that these four countries are united in their commitment to maintaining a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (mofa.go.jp).

With an eye on China, the group’s joint statement said, “As leaders, we are steadfast in our conviction that international law, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the maintenance of peace, safety, security, and stability in the maritime domain, underpin the sustainable development and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific. We emphasise the importance of adherence to international law, particularly as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to address the challenges to the global maritime rules-based order, including with respect to maritime claims. We are seriously concerned about the situation in the East and South China Seas,” reports the Indian Express.

Meanwhile, US President Biden was caught on a hot mic during the Quad Leaders’ Summit, emphasizing that China is testing the resolve of the Quad nations. This candid remark underscores the gravity of the emerging Chinese threat, a concern that the US takes seriously.

“We believe Xi Jinping is looking to focus on domestic economic challenges and minimize the turbulence in China,” Biden told the leaders at the Summit, the report added.

Amid global conflicts and tensions, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the Quad’s commitment to democratic values, stating, “We are not against anyone.” He underscored the importance of a rules-based international order, respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity, and resolving disputes peacefully.

Modi highlighted the Quad’s collaborative initiatives in health, security, emerging technologies, climate change, and capacity building. He reaffirmed the grouping’s enduring presence, saying, “Quad is here to stay, to assist, to partner, and to complement.”

The report noted that along with Modi, other leaders of the Quad reaffirmed their shared priority of a free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

Penpa Tsering, the President of the Central Tibetan Administration, emphasized that the Quad formation is becoming increasingly entrenched, highlighting India’s crucial role in the alliance. This development comes as the Quad leaders expressed serious concerns about China’s coercive and intimidating maneuvers in the South China Sea, reaffirming their commitment to a rules-based international order and peaceful resolution of disputes.

The CTA President further added that the Asia-Pacific nations, including Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, are increasing their defense spending in response to China’s actions. This surge in defense spending is a direct result of China’s behavior, prompting these countries to allocate more funds for defense, as reported by the Business Standard.

In a strong statement, Dolma Tsering, the Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, praised recent remarks by President Biden and Prime Minister Modi, emphasizing the Quad Summit’s unified stance against threats to democracy and the rule of law. She expressed concern over China’s expanding influence, echoing Biden’s statement that China is testing global democratic systems.

Tsering highlighted the need for peaceful conflict resolution, welcoming Prime Minister Modi’s efforts. She specifically requested Modi and Quad leaders to advocate for Tibetan rights, addressing the long-standing Tibet-China conflict and occupation. “We urge global leaders to raise the Tibet issue and work towards an amicable resolution,” Tsering stated, emphasizing the significance of international support for the Tibetan community, as reported by the Business Standard.

The four leaders confirmed that they will continue and strengthen the Quad’s efforts, and they concurred that India will hold the Leaders’ meeting next year and the United States will host the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting next year. This meeting will be followed by a working dinner hosted by President Biden, where the four leaders will discuss international affairs, including North Korea, the situation in Ukraine, and the situation in the Middle East, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Meanwhile, according to The Hindu, China, as expected, has “termed Quad as a tool used by the US to contain Beijing, asserting that interference by any external force will not shake its determination to uphold its ‘sovereignty and maritime rights’ in the disputed South and East China Seas,” on Monday.

The Quad is an alliance made up of four countries: Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. These countries work together to help make the Indo-Pacific area (which includes parts of the Indian and Pacific Oceans) a better place. They want this area to be open to all, stable, doing well, and able to handle challenges. On Saturday, the leaders of these four countries met for their fourth big meeting. This meeting was held in Wilmington, which is the hometown of US President Joe Biden.