Washington, DC [US], July 30 (HBTV): Foreign ministers from the Quad nations—Australia, India, Japan, and the United States—met in Washington earlier this month and unveiled a strategic initiative to counter China’s dominant position in the rare earths and critical minerals sector, according to The Japan Times.

The leaders jointly launched the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative, aimed at reducing dependency on China’s monopolistic control over materials vital to the defence and high-technology sectors. In their joint statement, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment ‘to uphold a region free from coercion’ and oppose ‘any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion’.

Using language widely interpreted as directed at Beijing, the Quad ministers expressed ‘deep concern’ over supply chains that rely on a single country. They criticised China’s use of economic pressure, pricing manipulation, and threats to critical infrastructure security.

During the summit, hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Quad members pledged to diversify their sources of lithium, nickel, graphite, and other strategic minerals. Rubio stressed the importance of building resilient supply chains to prevent China from weaponising trade and urged greater cooperation among allies to reduce dependence on Beijing’s industrial base.

Analysts regard the initiative as a bold step to economically marginalise China. The Japan Times described the plan as ‘an ambitious expansion’ of the Quad’s cooperation and a direct challenge to Beijing’s influence in the Indo-Pacific. China's dominant role in critical mineral processing has sparked growing concerns over its potential to disrupt global industry and manipulate geopolitical outcomes.

Strategic leaders from within the Quad have warned against underestimating China’s economic coercion. Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, speaking at a US congressional hearing, referenced Beijing’s trade retaliation against Australia and urged deeper coordination among Quad members. Former US ambassador Rahm Emanuel proposed a NATO-style “anti-coercion coalition” that would unify diplomatic and economic pressure to deter China’s global assertiveness.

Notably, China’s subdued response to the Quad communiqué contrasts with its usual vocal opposition, prompting speculation that Beijing may be reassessing its position as its dominance in the rare earth market faces new challenges.

Beyond the focus on critical minerals, the summit also addressed broader regional issues including rising military tensions in the East and South China Seas, cybersecurity threats, and North Korea’s destabilising activities. All four ministers reiterated their commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and adherence to rule-of-law principles.

Though still an informal grouping, the Quad’s increasing alignment signals a shift in the Indo-Pacific’s strategic architecture. As The Japan Times reported, the initiative sends a clear message: regional democracies are prepared to resist economic coercion and defend their sovereignty against external pressure.

(ANI)