Biden Hosts Quad Leaders for Farewell Summit in Delaware

In a significant diplomatic move, US President Joe Biden is set to host the leaders of Australia, Japan, and India at his home in Delaware this weekend. This gathering marks a farewell summit for the “Quad” group, which Biden has championed as a strategic counterbalance to China. The Quad, consisting of these four nations, aims to strengthen ties and address shared challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

Biden has chosen Wilmington, his hometown, for this important meeting, which will be the last of his presidency. This decision comes after he announced his withdrawal from the 2024 election against Donald Trump, paving the way for Kamala Harris to take over the Democratic leadership. The summit will feature one-on-one discussions with each leader, starting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday night, followed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Saturday.

On Saturday, Biden will also host an “intimate” dinner and a full four-way summit at his former high school in Wilmington. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre highlighted that this will be Biden’s first time hosting foreign leaders in his hometown as president, showcasing the strong personal relationships he has built with each of the Quad leaders.

The Quad grouping has its roots dating back to 2007, but it has gained renewed focus under Biden’s administration, especially after the isolationist policies of the Trump era. Discussions during the summit are expected to heavily revolve around China, particularly in light of recent tensions, including confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the disputed South China Sea. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby confirmed that addressing the challenges posed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) will be a priority for the leaders.

However, the White House has faced criticism for limiting press access during the summit, raising questions about whether this was influenced by Modi, who is known for being media-shy. Despite this, the White House reassured that Biden would not shy away from discussing human rights issues with Modi, who has faced allegations of increasing authoritarianism in India.

Biden’s Wilmington home, located approximately 110 miles from Washington, D.C., is a place he cherishes, often retreating there on weekends. The residence gained attention in 2022 when classified documents were discovered in its garage, next to his Corvette sports car, although Biden was not charged in connection with this incident.

As the summit unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the leaders navigate the complex geopolitical landscape, particularly in relation to China. The outcomes of their discussions could have lasting implications for international relations in the region. Ultimately, this gathering not only symbolizes Biden’s commitment to strengthening alliances but also reflects the ongoing challenges that the Quad nations face in an increasingly interconnected world.