A US envoy reaffirmed support for a free and open Indo-Pacific during a Quad meeting in Beijing, as the People's Liberation Army conducted its second day of live-fire exercises around Taiwan. Some analysts argue that the Quad is losing significance under Trump despite this display of unity and deterrence. The grouping is an informal strategic forum aimed at promoting a rules-based Indo-Pacific.
US envoy backs ‘free, open’ Indo-Pacific at Quad meeting in Beijing amid PLA Taiwan drills
During a Quad meeting in Beijing, a US envoy backed a 'free, open' Indo-Pacific, coinciding with the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) second day of live-fire exercises around Taiwan.
The Quad is an informal strategic forum comprising the US, Australia, India, and Japan, aimed at promoting a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, according to its members. Since 2021, the bloc has held leader-level summits focusing on maritime security, infrastructure development, and countering what it calls coercive actions. While not a formal military alliance, the grouping is widely seen as a counterweight to China’s growing assertiveness in the region.
Some analysts, however, say the Quad is losing significance under Trump despite this latest show of unity and deterrence by the regional bloc. Key figures mentioned include David Perdue, likely the US envoy, and John Moolenaar. Other involved parties are Japan, Australia, and India. The event occurred in Beijing on December 31, 2025.
The meeting's timing underscores regional tensions, particularly the PLA's Taiwan drills.
