QUAD — Quad ministers commit to 'free & open Indo-Pacific' amid China concerns

Foreign ministers from the Quad nations—India, the US, Australia, and Japan—reaffirmed their commitment to a 'free and open Indo-Pacific' and ASEAN centrality during a meeting in Manila. The group pledged to advance cooperation on maritime security, critical technologies, and economic prosperity, in a clear response to China's growing assertiveness in the region.