Quad foreign ministers agree to cooperate on critical minerals
The meeting of the four-nation framework, known as QUAD, took place in Washington on Tuesday. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi, Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
At the beginning of the talks, Iwaya said the Indo-Pacific region is the growth engine for the global economy, and its peace and stability are essential for the prosperity of the international community. He added that the four countries play an important role to achieve them as major powers in the region.
The ministers agreed to further strengthen cooperation toward the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific. They confirmed their strong opposition to unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force, including in the East and South China Seas. China is increasing assertiveness in such waters.
As a new move, the four nations agreed to work together in the development and production of critical minerals, and in creating a new supply chain for them. China has emerged as a major player in the global supply of the key minerals.
The QUAD foreign ministers met for the second time since US President Donald Trump took office. Iwaya told reporters that they were able to show the world QUAD's strong unity and importance by holding face-to-face talks again nearly half a year after their first meeting in January.
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