China calls on the Quad not to target other nations

China has called for the outcomes of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) not to target other countries beyond its members.

“China has expressed its stance on the Quad on multiple occasions. International cooperation must foster regional peace, stability, and prosperity without targeting any third party,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning during a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday (26 May).

Mao also stressed China’s opposition to the formation of exclusive groups or bloc-based confrontations.

“We oppose the creation of exclusive groups or involvement in bloc confrontations,” he added.

Earlier, foreign ministers from the United States, India, Japan, and Australia — Quad members — held a meeting on Tuesday.

The Quad nations called for maritime security and diplomatic solutions to reopen the Hormuz Strait. They also rejected transit fees perceived to impact maritime trade.

The group was initially proposed in 2007 by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as an informal consultation mechanism, promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

However, Quad activities waned after 2007, particularly when Australia under Prime Minister Kevin Rudd improved relations with Beijing.

Quad resumed activity under US President Joe Biden, with leader-level meetings in 2021. The most recent summit was held in the United States in 2024.