US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a series of initiatives among Quad nations to strengthen their dominance in the Indo-Pacific, including joint surveillance of maritime operations.

The initiative aims to integrate the four nations' surveillance capabilities and share near-real-time data on ship movements, including commercial vessels. Rubio called the alliance a "partnership of action."

Rubio also announced an Indo-Pacific energy security initiative to strengthen regional fuel supply chains, which takes on special importance amid disruptions caused by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

The group will work with Fiji to upgrade port infrastructure in the Pacific islands, marking the Quad's first joint infrastructure project. A "Critical Mineral Framework" was also agreed upon.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong warned that the Indo-Pacific faces "acute economic stress" and that any closure of the Strait of Hormuz would have serious consequences for regional energy security.

The Quad is seen as a counter to China's growing influence. The four nations represent about 30% of global GDP and nearly 2 billion people.

Source: www.dw.com