The United States, Japan, Australia and India hosted the first meeting of the Quad Group, which seeks to counter China’s influence

The United States, Japan, Australia and India held the first meeting of the quartet on Friday, a new group One of its main objectives is to counter China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

At the next press conference, North American National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan described the details of the summit – which almost took place – And four states pointed out that there were “no illusions” about the Asian company.

He also revealed in an evening note about Beijing:They talked about the competition between authoritarianism and democracy, and acknowledged that democracy is the best system for fulfilling the people.”.

The officer said they had addressed “Major regional issues such as freedom of navigation and coercion in the South China Sea, the North Korean nuclear issue and the conspiracy in Myanmar”.

Referring to the Biden administration’s first high – level meeting with China in Alaska on March 18 and 19, Sullivan said the United States would “approach the meeting from a position of strength” after 50 days in office. To confirm his position, he cited updated economic growth forecasts for the country – which will expand by 6.5 percent, according to the OECD – and the vaccination process against COVID-19, which initially gained more momentum than previously expected.

“As the president has said, the United States will maintain tough competition with China and we hope to win that race,” the official said.

Asked about India’s move to prevent Hawaii-made telecommunications equipment from being used by its mobile phone operators, Sullivan said: “A sovereign decision”, but it “certainly agrees with our decisions and what we say” about the company..

“We have already expressed our concern about the elements of the Hawaiian and Chinese government and its relations with the armed forces.“, He added.

At the meeting, the countries agreed on a joint effort to produce 1 billion vaccines against Kovit-19 in India by the end of 2022. “Quad has promised to provide at least that amount to ASEAN, Indo-Pacific and beyond. , ”Sullivan said.

In parallel, the White House announced its support for the Indian company Bio-Electric Limited.Produce at least 1 billion doses of Govit-19 vaccines by the end of 2022, centered on Johnson & Johnson’s one-dose vaccine..

The production will be funded by the International Development Fund of the United States, which finances projects in Japan and developing countries.

The White House has said Australia will contribute $ 77 million to the previous $ 407 million to ensure that vaccines are not only delivered but also managed in Southeast Asia.

In turn, Japan will provide 41 million for the distribution of vaccines, which requires careful temperature control.

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