President Joe Biden will host the leaders of Australia, India, and Japan in Wilmington, Delaware, on September 21, 2024, marking the final Quad summit of his presidency. The meeting comes as Biden aims to solidify his foreign policy legacy before leaving office in January.
This will be the first time Biden has hosted foreign leaders in his hometown during his presidency. The event underscores his close ties with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre highlighted the summit’s role in promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific, stating, “The Quad Leaders Summit will strengthen strategic cooperation among our nations and deliver concrete benefits for the region.”
Biden initiated the first Quad summit in 2021, and the group has met annually as part of U.S. efforts to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. Originally set to be held in India, the summit was relocated to the U.S. to align with the United Nations General Assembly in New York, ensuring the presence of global leaders.
Key topics on the agenda include health security, disaster response, maritime security, and emerging technologies, with a focus on addressing China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea.
A senior U.S. official noted that the summit is expected to produce concrete outcomes, including a significant global health initiative and strengthened partnerships in humanitarian assistance.
As Biden approaches the end of his term, the summit also serves as a farewell for Prime Minister Kishida, who will not seek re-election. Discussions will focus on maintaining the Quad as a priority in U.S. foreign policy beyond Biden’s presidency. The next Quad summit is slated to be hosted by India in 2025.
The Wilmington summit symbolizes a critical moment in Biden’s foreign policy strategy, highlighting the Quad’s role in tackling regional security challenges and setting the course for future collaboration in the Indo-Pacific.
