TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Leaders of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) member nations reiterated their support for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific in a joint statement issued on Saturday (Sept. 21). 

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida gathered at the Quad Leaders Summit hosted by US President Joe Biden in Wilmington, Delaware.

The leaders emphasized the importance of regional peace “as an indispensable element of global security and prosperity.” They also rejected unilateral actions that aim to alter the status quo through “force or coercion.”

The leaders expressed concerns over “recent dangerous and aggressive actions in the maritime domain,” referring to the ramming of Philippine coast guard ships by Chinese counterparts. They hoped to see a region where all countries could determine their futures. 

“We are united in our commitment to upholding a stable and open international system,” the joint statement said. The leaders supported human rights, freedom, the rule of law, and democratic values and called for the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanked the QUAD members for reaffirming the importance of peace and stability in the region. “As a responsible member of the Indo-Pacific, Taiwan will continue to collaborate with like-minded partners to safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity in the Taiwan Strait and the broader region,” it said.