Japan has agreed to host a meeting of "the Quad" group involving the United States, Australia and India next year, White House coordinator for the Indo-Pacific Kurt Campbell said Friday, in what could serve as another chance to showcase the deepening ties of the four maritime democracies in the face of China's rise.
Campbell also indicated that Beijing seems to be feeling some pressure from the U.S. administration of President Joe Biden's ongoing efforts to strengthen relations with allies, including Japan, and increased multilateral engagements such as through the Quad.
Recalling the meeting between Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday, Campbell, who also attended the talks, said, "I think it would be fair to say, at the virtual meeting, President Xi made very clear that a number of things that the United States is doing caused China some heartburn."