Biden to Meet ‘Quad’ Leaders in Delaware, Announce ‘Cancer Moonshot’

On September 21, President Joe Biden is set to host the fourth Quad Leaders Summit, bringing together leaders from Japan, Australia, and India. The summit, taking place in Wilmington, Delaware, will focus on maritime security issues and the announcement of an ambitious “cancer moonshot” initiative.

During the summit, Biden has arranged separate meetings with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The discussions come on the heels of an earlier meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Biden emphasized the importance of these leaders in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. He expressed his personal connections, stating, “These leaders aren’t just essential to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. They’re friends of mine and friends of our nation.”

Albanese, who met Biden the day before the summit, highlighted the significance of the gathering, noting that it would help solidify the strong ties between Australia and the United States. Biden commented on the importance of the alliance, saying, “When America and Australia stand as one, we force a future of greater opportunity and security for our countries and the Indo-Pacific.”

The agenda for their discussions included collaborative efforts with Britain aimed at promoting a secure and stable Indo-Pacific. The leaders addressed pressing global challenges such as climate change, clean energy, and maintaining peace in sensitive regions like the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea.

The White House pointed out that China’s “coercive and destabilizing activities” in the South China Sea have raised concerns among these nations. As the leaders convene for their quadrilateral meeting later in the day, they are expected to focus on enhancing maritime security in the South Pacific and Oceania, as well as detail plans for the cancer research initiative.

According to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, the summit will aim to strengthen strategic cooperation among the participating countries and promote a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The discussions are projected to deliver tangible benefits in key areas such as health security, disaster response, climate change, clean energy, maritime security, and infrastructure development.

This congregation of the Quad leaders underscores a collective commitment to addressing regional and global challenges, fostering innovative solutions, and enhancing collaboration among the countries involved. Through discussions and initiatives like the “cancer moonshot,” these leaders are laying the groundwork for heightened cooperation aimed at tackling health crises and environmental issues while ensuring regional stability.

This summit is part of a broader strategy to strengthen alliances in the face of evolving geopolitical dynamics and challenges. The leaders’ focus on maritime security and health initiatives serves to reinforce their united front on key global issues, making it clear that the Quad is an essential regional partnership.

As the Quad Leaders Summit unfolds, it not only represents an opportunity for bilateral engagements among the nations involved but also illustrates a shared commitment to a prosperous and secure future for the entire Indo-Pacific region. The collaborative efforts in areas such as maritime security and health research signify the leaders’ pledge to work together in safeguarding regional stability and addressing universal health concerns.

With critical topics on the table and a strong emphasis on partnership, the outcomes of this summit are anticipated to resonate beyond the immediate discussions, shaping the trajectory of international collaboration and policy directions in the region.