Rubio Revives ‘Quad’ With New Asia Projects After Questions on U.S.

(L-R) Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong, India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio address a joint press conference after the Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi on May 26, 2026. (Photo by Julia Demaree Nikhinson / POOL / AFP)

The United States, India, Australia, and Japan announced new maritime and critical minerals cooperation on Tuesday, reviving a forum viewed suspiciously by China following questions over the U.S. commitment and disagreement on Iran.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio took part in the meeting in New Delhi, 10 days after President Donald Trump paid a friendly state visit to China and spoke glowingly of the two powers working together as a “G2” — a concept that the U.S. allies, which view Beijing’s rise warily, fear could shut them out.

  • Get a daily email packed with the latest news and analysis from Africa, Asia, and across the Global South.
  • Read exclusive insights on the key trends shaping China’s relations across the Global South.
  • Full access to the News Feed that provides daily updates on Chinese engagement in the Global South.

China, Africa and the Global South... find out what’s happening.

Subscribe today for unlimited access.

OR

Already a subscriber? Log in Click Here to Learn More
by Eric Olander

Most Read

1
Developing Countries’ Debt Servicing Costs to China Are Significant, but Nowhere Near as Much as Other Creditors
2
Uncertainty Roils Minerals Markets
3 Chinese Scholars See Russia’s Venezuela Strategy as a Model of Hybrid Power Projection in the U.S.’ Backyard
4 India Forced to Pay Russia in Yuan, Handing China an Unexpected Win
5 From J-10C to Kaan? Indonesia’s Fighter Jet Deal With Turkey Shocks Chinese Military Fans
6 Chinese Military Fans Discuss Why Indonesia Bought Rafale Instead of J-10C

You Might Like

An aerial photo showing containers at the Longtan port in Nanjing, eastern China's Jiangsu province on January 14, 2026. China said January 14, 2026 trade volumes reached a record in 2025, as global demand for Chinese goods held firm despite a slump in exports to the US after Donald Trump raised tariffs. Photo / AFP / China OUT / CHINA OUT

China’s Trade Surplus Hit Record $1.2 Trillion in 2025

China reported strong trade numbers for 2025 on Wednesday, as its surplus rose year-on-year to a record $1.2 trillion despite a slump in exports to the United States after President Donald Trump hiked tariffs. Last ...

Asia’s Growth Faces Uncertainty Amid U.S. Policy Shifts: ADB Report

Asia’s emerging economies are projected to experience the effects of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s 2025 policies, according to a report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) today. East Asia may face slower ...

As Washington Relations Strain, India Explores a Fragile Thaw With China

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will meet on Tuesday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence in New Delhi. This is a somewhat unusual meeting as it’s not customary for an ...

India and China Move Closer Together Following Wang-Modi Meeting

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his country’s relationship with China is making “steady progress,” following his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday. It sets the stage for Modi’s trip ...

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.

More about CGSP
Detected IP: ...

Create a free account, or log in.

Gain access to limited free articles, exclusive research & analysis, news updates, and podcasts.

Yes! I would like to receive new content and updates.