Australian PM Albanese Hopes Quad Leaders Meet Early 2026

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the next Quad summit, involving leaders from Australia, the United States, Japan, and India, is likely to be held in the first quarter of 2026, hosted by India. The summit, originally planned for 2025, was delayed due to the busy schedules of member nations, including US President Donald Trump's extensive Asia tour and political upheavals in Japan. Albanese highlighted the Quad as a crucial platform for regional stability, cooperation on security, technology, and economic issues, and a counterbalance to China's influence in the Indo-Pacific. During the ASEAN summit, Albanese also raised concerns with China's Premier Li Qiang over a recent incident involving a Chinese fighter jet and an Australian maritime patrol aircraft in the South China Sea, emphasizing Australia's commitment to dialogue despite tensions. The Quad summit is expected to focus on regional defense coordination, AI and technology partnerships, and maritime security when it convenes. Australia aims to maintain a balance between strong ties with Quad allies and stabilizing trade relations with China amid growing strategic competition.