Quad ministers meet in Manila, call for rule-based Indo-Pacific: A ‘respect sovereignty’ message for China

Quad foreign ministers from India, the United States, Japan and Australia met in Manila to reaffirm commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific based on rule of law, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The meeting occurred a day after a new confrontation between Chinese and Philippine forces in the South China Sea.

The Quad emphasized respecting sovereignty, a message widely seen as directed at China's maritime assertiveness.

The discussions took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila, focusing on regional security and rising tensions.