Washington, February 14: Two senior U.S. senators have urged the Trump administration to convene a Quad leaders’ summit ahead of President Donald Trump’s scheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in April. They argue that this would strengthen Washington’s position in negotiations with Beijing.
Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE), both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, sent a letter to Marco Rubio advocating for prioritizing the next iteration of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), which includes the U.S., Australia, India, and Japan.
This upcoming Quad summit is set to be hosted by India, which was originally planned for 2025. All four nations, including Trump, have expressed commitment to participating in the summit.
The senators wrote, “At this critical moment of intense strategic competition with China, convening a Quad leaders’ summit would send a clear signal of unity, resolve, and strategic coordination among leading Indo-Pacific democracies. Holding the summit before President Trump’s meeting with Xi Jinping in April would be a significant demonstration of U.S. leadership in the Indo-Pacific ahead of the President’s visit to Beijing. A successful Quad summit would position President Trump to engage from a stronger footing.”
They emphasized that the meeting before Trump’s Beijing visit would shape the diplomatic atmosphere. They noted, “Recent successes in advancing U.S. interests through our bilateral relationships with Australia, India, and Japan have created an environment conducive to renewed collaboration through the Quad.”
The letter also highlighted the announcement of a trade deal with India, stating that it lays the groundwork for deepening strategic and defense cooperation in India and across the Indo-Pacific.
Addressing common concerns, the senators wrote, “All four Quad partners face similar challenges, including vulnerabilities in supply chains, restrictions on critical minerals, threats to a free and open Indo-Pacific, and increasing competition in new technologies.”
They further stated, “China has particularly intensified diplomatic pressure, military threats, and economic coercion against Japan, jeopardizing regional stability and international norms.”
The senators concluded, “The Quad is uniquely positioned to address these challenges and advance several objectives outlined in Trump’s 2025 National Security Strategy, including building on the previous administration’s successes in strengthening deterrence among allies, reducing strategic dependence on adversaries, securing technological leadership, and maintaining freedom of navigation.”
Finally, they expressed eagerness to work together to strengthen the Quad during this pivotal moment in U.S. diplomacy and urged prioritization of the Quad leaders’ summit, followed by meetings of foreign ministers and working groups. They believe this will enhance U.S. leadership, fortify partnerships, and ensure that future engagement with Beijing is based on unity, strength, and strategic foresight.
They also requested a briefing by March 13, 2026, to discuss the government’s approach and priorities for the Quad. Over the past decade, the Quad, comprising the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia, has become a crucial platform for collaboration on Indo-Pacific security, robust supply chains, new technologies, and maritime cooperation. India has consistently supported a free and open Indo-Pacific while balancing its challenging relationship with China amid border tensions and significant regional rivalries.
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