The meeting, bringing together representatives of the four largest militaries in the Indo-Pacific, was a clear signal that the Trump administration will intensify military preparations and threats directed at China.

The United States, Australia, India and Japan recommitted to working together on Tuesday, after the first meeting of the China-focused "Quad" grouping's top diplomats since President Donald Trump returned to the White House.

First meeting of Trump presidency for security group focused on Indo-Pacific voices opposition to altering status quo 'by force or coercion' Just hours after being sworn in as US secretary of state on Tuesday,

The U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted a crucial meeting with foreign ministers from Australia, India, and Japan, emphasizing the importance of allied cooperation amid China's rise. The meeting aims to signal a strategic focus on countering Beijing's influence in the Indo-Pacific,

The first Quad ministerial meeting of Australia, India, Japan and the US since President Donald Trump took office was held on Tuesday.

Quad foreign ministers, invited to Trump’s inauguration on 20 January, may convene the following day. In China, discussions swirl around what Trump 2.0 might mean for the Quad.

Quad nations sent a clear message to China by opposing any actions that change the status quo by force. They are committed to strengthening a free and

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on his first full day in office on Tuesday, warned jointly with Japan, India and Australia against coercive moves in Asia, in a veiled but clear warning to China over its maritime actions.

Analysts said meeting is designed to signal that countering Beijing is a top priority for Mr Trump. Read more at straitstimes.com.

China on Wednesday said its activities and claims over the South China Sea are legitimate and “completely justified”, reacting to the Quad Foreign Ministers’ assertions “strongly” opposing any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion in the Indo Pacific region.

New Delhi needs to balance its relations with China and the growing partnership with the US so that Indian interests are best served

Following his debut at the State Department, Rubio met in the afternoon with foreign ministers from the Indo-Pacific Quad on Tuesday afternoon, including Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi.