Antony Blinken says US ‘not distracted’ by Ukraine war, Quad offers ‘choice’ from China

During a Quad meeting with partners India, Japan and Australia, Antony Blinken said the bloc offered ‘choice’ to countries, in a veiled reference to China

Blinken’s comments come as the US tries to reassure smaller countries it is still focused on balancing a bolder China despite Washington’s efforts in the Ukraine war

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during the Indo-Pacific Quad Foreign Ministers panel discussion in New Delhi. Photo: AFP

Published: 7:40pm, 3 Mar 2023Updated: 7:45pm, 3 Mar 2023

The United States’ top diplomat Antony Blinken reiterated his country’s commitment to the Quad grouping, calling it a “critical vehicle” for engaging Asian nations amid concerns Washington may be distracted by the war in Ukraine.

The US Secretary of State’s latest remarks at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi reflected a continuing regional charm offensive by Washington to assure smaller countries in its diplomatic ambit that it remained focused on balancing China’s assertiveness despite its commitment to the European conflict.

Apart from appearing in a panel discussion together, Blinken and his counterparts from India, Australia and Japan held four-way talks on the sidelines of the forum, India’s premier foreign policy conference.

The Quad – seen by Beijing as an informal alliance to encircle it – on Friday also announced a new working group to foster greater cooperation on maritime security and engagement with countries in Asia.

Later on Friday, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning slammed the Quad meeting, referring to it as an “exclusionary bloc.”

“We hope certain countries can do more things that contribute to security and mutual trust between regional countries and that help to maintain peace and stability,” Mao said, in response to a question.