Ambassadors from the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) countries have held a rare and publicised meeting in Beijing, signalling continued cooperation among the four nations despite ongoing regional tensions.
The meeting brought together envoys from the United States, India, Australia, and Japan. It took place on Tuesday, December 31, 2025, at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, according to a post shared on social media by the U.S. Ambassador to China, David Perdue.
A Rare Diplomatic Gathering
Public meetings of Quad representatives in China are unusual. Therefore, the gathering drew attention from diplomatic observers.
In his post, Ambassador Perdue shared a photograph of the four envoys standing together. The image included Indian Ambassador to China Pradeep Kumar Rawat, along with representatives from Australia and Japan.
“It is a pleasure to meet with the ambassadors of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue countries in Beijing,” Perdue wrote. He added that the Quad continues to be “a force for good” in supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Quad Relations Described as Stable
Ambassador Perdue also stressed that ties among the four Quad countries remain strong.
“The relations among the United States, Australia, India, and Japan continue to be stable and strong,” he said. His remarks appeared aimed at reinforcing unity among the group amid wider geopolitical competition in the region.
So far, the Indian Embassy in Beijing has not issued an official statement about the meeting. However, the presence of India’s ambassador in the photo confirmed New Delhi’s participation.
China’s Longstanding Concerns
China has not yet officially reacted to the meeting. However, Beijing has long been a vocal critic of the Quad.
In the past, Chinese officials have said they oppose countries forming exclusive groups or alliances. According to Beijing, such arrangements encourage bloc politics and increase confrontation rather than cooperation.
Chinese authorities have repeatedly argued that regional partnerships should not target third countries.
Previous Chinese Reactions to Quad Meetings
Earlier this year, during a Quad foreign ministers’ meeting held in January, China expressed similar concerns.
At that time, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China believes cooperation among countries should focus on mutual benefit and should not harm others.
She warned that group politics and bloc confrontation would not lead to lasting peace. Instead, she said such actions could undermine stability in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
Symbolic Timing and Message
The timing and location of the meeting were notable. Holding a Quad gathering in Beijing, even at an embassy, sends a symbolic message.
While the meeting did not appear to announce new policies or agreements, it highlighted ongoing dialogue and coordination among the Quad partners.
At the same time, it underlined the complex diplomatic environment in Asia, where cooperation, competition, and rivalry often exist side by side.
Balancing Dialogue and Differences
For the Quad countries, maintaining unity while managing relations with China remains a delicate task. The group continues to emphasise shared values such as openness, stability, and respect for international rules.
Meanwhile, China continues to voice concern that such groupings could increase tensions.
As regional dynamics evolve, rare public meetings like this one offer insight into how major powers manage diplomacy, signal intentions, and balance cooperation with caution.