In a growing bipartisan effort, US lawmakers are calling on the White House to convene a Quad summit before former President Trump’s upcoming trip to China. This initiative aims to present a united front among Indo-Pacific democracies—namely, the US, Japan, Australia, and India—before high-stakes discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Lawmakers express concerns over coordinating policies towards China and the potential for misunderstandings that could arise during these pivotal discussions.

The Quad, as the grouping is known, has been increasingly viewed as a mechanism to counter China’s expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Lindsey Ford from the Center for a New American Security highlighted the necessity for alignment on China strategy to avoid missteps in negotiations. Given the strategic importance of the region and the complexity of U.S.-China relations, the call for unified action among Quad nations is deemed crucial.

This push reflects broader concerns regarding geopolitical dynamics and the role of international alliances in managing relations with China. With the potential for significant miscommunication at stake, lawmakers stress that proactive engagement and teamwork among allies can bolster a collective stance and enhance bargaining power at the negotiation table with Beijing. This unity is particularly significant as Trump’s visit draws nearer, alongside increased scrutiny of China’s global maneuvers.