NEW DELHI: In response to growing concerns over China’s control of critical minerals, the Quad countries have announced a major initiative aimed at diversifying and securing supply chains to reduce dependence on China—mitigating risks of economic coercion, price manipulation, and supply disruptions.
During a meeting hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Quad foreign ministers from India, Japan, Australia, and the US—S. Jaishankar, Takeshi Iwaya, Penny Wong, and Rubio respectively—issued a joint statement condemning China’s actions in the East and South China Seas.
The statement highlighted deep concerns about the sudden constriction and reliability risks facing key supply chains, especially for critical minerals, derivative products, and mineral processing technologies. Without explicitly naming China, the ministers stressed, “Reliance on any single country for processing and refining critical minerals and derivative goods exposes our industries to economic coercion, price manipulation, and supply chain disruptions, jeopardizing both economic and national security.”
The Quad unveiled a “new, ambitious, and strong agenda” focused on four core pillars: maritime and transnational security, economic prosperity and security, critical and emerging technologies, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
“This renewed focus will enhance the Quad’s ability to pool resources and address the region’s most urgent challenges,” the statement added.
The ministers also voiced serious concern over escalating tensions in the East and South China Seas, reiterating their opposition to any unilateral efforts to alter the status quo through force or coercion. The statement condemned “dangerous and provocative actions,” including interference with offshore resource development, repeated obstruction of freedom of navigation and overflight, and hazardous maneuvers by military aircraft, coast guard vessels, and maritime militias—specifically citing unsafe water cannon use, ramming, and blocking tactics in the South China Sea.
Additionally, the Quad announced plans to conduct the inaugural Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network field training exercise this year, aiming to enhance shared airlift capabilities and collective logistics strength for rapid and effective disaster response in the region, supporting partner nations.
