In a historic joint statement released today, the leaders of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States – collectively known as the Quad – reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. The Wilmington Declaration outlines a series of ambitious initiatives to enhance security cooperation,technological collaboration, and humanitarian assistance among the four nations.
Key points from the declaration include:
- Enhanced security cooperation: The Quad will strengthen joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and maritime security initiatives to counter threats from China and other adversaries.
- Technological collaboration: The four countries will collaborate on critical technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing to ensure their democratic values and economic prosperity.
- Humanitarian assistance: The Quad will expand efforts to provide disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and public health assistance to countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Strengthened economic ties: The Quad will promote trade, investment, and infrastructure development in the region, fostering economic growth and resilience.
The Wilmington Declaration marks a significant step forward in the Quad’s evolution as a strategic partnership. By deepening their cooperation across multiple domains, the four countries aim to shape the future of the Indo-Pacific and uphold the rules-based international order.
