US President Joe Biden was caught on a hot mic during a Quad summit on Saturday, telling the leaders of Australia, India, and Japan that China is “testing us,” a remark that could undermine the summit’s carefully crafted statement, which avoided directly naming Beijing.
The comment was made as Biden hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Wilmington, Delaware, for what is expected to be his final Quad summit. Biden said China continues to behave aggressively across the region, despite Chinese President Xi Jinping focusing on domestic economic challenges.
While the Quad leaders’ joint statement avoided direct mention of China, it expressed concern over tensions in the East and South China Seas, condemning “coercive and intimidating maneuvers.” Despite the hot mic slip, Biden maintained that efforts to de-escalate tensions with Beijing, including an April call with Xi, were helping prevent conflict.
Biden also reassured his counterparts that the Quad would endure beyond the U.S. presidential election in November, telling reporters, “Way beyond November.”
Prime Minister Modi echoed Biden’s sentiments, reaffirming that “the Quad is here to stay” and signaling India’s commitment to the group. The summit, held at Biden’s former high school, marked a personal farewell as he filled the day with private meetings at his Wilmington home.
The event highlighted Biden’s prioritization of international alliances, although questions remain about the future of U.S. foreign policy should former President Donald Trump, known for his isolationist rhetoric, return to office.
