U.S Secretary of State, Marco Rubio spoke has met with colleagues from Australia, India, and Japan in Washington.
Mr Rubio emphasised the necessity of collaborating with allies “on the things that are important to America and Americans.”
Rubio, who was sworn in as secretary of state the day after President Donald Trump began his second term on Monday, welcomed colleagues from the “Quad,” a group of four countries concerned about China’s expanding strength, at the State Department.
Analysts have said the meeting is designed to signal that countering Beijing is a top priority for the new president, even as Trump unexpectedly held off tariffs on China on his first day back at the White House and did not single it out as a threat, raising the prospect of a rapprochement between the rivals.
According to a person participating in planning meetings, Trump officials were also seeking to schedule another meeting of foreign ministers at the White House.
The meetings might pave the way for a summit of Quad leaders early in Trump’s term, according to a source engaged in the planning.
According to sources familiar with the plans, Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba could meet in Washington next month.
Australia’s Wong, who saw her Indian and Japanese colleagues in Washington over the weekend, said the invitation for Quad foreign ministers to attend Trump’s inauguration demonstrated a commitment to close collaboration in the Indo-Pacific.
