Quad targets behaviors, not nations, says US Secretary Rubio

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has pushed back against characterizations of the Quad as an anti-China coalition, saying the grouping's concerns center on problematic behaviors rather than any single nation.

Addressing the issue after Quad meetings in Atlanta, Rubio underscored that the four-nation partnership—comprising the United States, India, Australia, and Japan—operates on the basis of shared values and strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Quad reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering supply chain resilience and economic security during the Atlanta gathering. The grouping also prioritized deepening cooperation across the Indo-Pacific, focusing on infrastructure development, technology standards, and maritime security amid evolving regional dynamics.

The clarification comes as the Quad continues to expand its engagement mechanisms and practical initiatives. Officials emphasized that the grouping remains open to working with other nations that share its commitment to a rules-based international order and freedom of navigation in shared waters.