Top diplomats from four major democracies in the Indo-Pacific region will converge in Tokyo on Tuesday for highly anticipated talks that could shape how they confront the COVID-19 pandemic and China’s growing assertiveness — with Japan playing a key role.
The meeting of officials from so-called Quad countries — Japan, India, Australia and the United States — comes as the world battles the coronavirus pandemic and as the four nations grapple with how best to confront a revanchist Beijing over its moves in the region.
Both issues will feature prominently in the discussions, according to officials and experts, but questions remain over whether the four countries can overcome their differences and lay the foundation for more concrete cooperation.