“We are firmly opposed to destabilization or unilateral actions tending to change the status quo by force or coercion,” said the statement in a veiled allusion to China’s actions in this region of the world, considered a source of instability by Western countries. .
“We express our deep concern regarding the militarization of the disputed areas, the dangerous use of military or coast guard vessels and the efforts to destabilize the activities of exploiting the offshore resources of other countries,” the text indicated.
“We express our deep concern regarding the militarization of disputed areas, the dangerous use of military or coast guard vessels, and efforts to destabilize resource exploitation activities. offshore from other countries,” the text said.
The statement refers to China’s construction of bases on disputed reefs and the harassment of ships in waters claimed by Beijing, especially in the South China Sea.
The countries pledged to work “to strengthen and reform the multilateral system to ensure that all nations, large and small, continue to have a voice.”
In his opening remarks, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, emphasized the importance of the region being “inclusive” with all countries and considered that it has the capacity to be “an engine for global trade”.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said the security environment has deteriorated since Japan hosted the Quad summit a year ago and expressed his hope that the alliance would guide the international community in “cooperation and not division and confrontation”.
With information from AFP and EFE