Overview
- U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue called the Quad "a force for good" and reaffirmed support for a free and open Indo-Pacific after the ambassadors' meeting in Beijing.
- The gathering of envoys from the United States, Australia, India and Japan coincided with PLA live-fire operations around Taiwan.
- China said the inter-service drills, codenamed "Justice Mission 2025," involved forces under the Eastern Theatre Command conducting patrols, simulated strikes, blockades of key ports and deterrence operations.
- Taiwan's defense ministry condemned the activity, reported detecting about 130 PLA aircraft, 14 PLAN vessels and 8 official ships, and said roughly 90 aircraft crossed the median line or entered its ADIZ.
- U.S.-approved arms sales to Taiwan valued at about $11.1 billion, including missiles, howitzers and drones, formed part of the context as the Quad emphasizes rules-based norms in the region.