US President Joe Biden’s recent hot mic incident was not damaging to relations with China, according to Caroline Kennedy, the US ambassador to Australia. Kennedy emphasized that China is a natural topic of conversation and that the positions of the members of the Quad alliance – including the US, Australia, Japan, and India – are well-known. She highlighted the diplomatic efforts being made to stabilize the relationship with China and manage competition in the Indo-Pacific region, with a goal of maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity. Kennedy mentioned Prime Minister Albanese’s visit to China and Biden’s recent meeting with Xi Jinping as examples of ongoing diplomacy and communication.
Kennedy also addressed concerns that the Quad alliance might be in trouble, particularly in the event of a potential second Trump presidency. She reassured that the Quad is a longstanding alliance that is here to stay, emphasizing its bipartisan nature. The alliance was originally established in 2004 and was reinvigorated by the Trump administration before being elevated to leader-level summits by President Biden in 2021. Kennedy praised the productivity of the Quad alliance and highlighted the importance of ongoing cooperation between member countries.
While the hot mic incident may have caught people’s attention, Kennedy emphasized that the main focus remains on maintaining diplomatic efforts and communication with China. She stressed the importance of understanding the changing regional dynamics in the Indo-Pacific and working towards peaceful and stable relations. Kennedy highlighted the ongoing dialogue between leaders such as Biden and Xi Jinping as key to managing competition and fostering cooperation in the region. The goal, she noted, is to keep the Indo-Pacific region prosperous through diplomacy and communication.
Kennedy’s remarks also touched on the efforts of leaders like Prime Minister Albanese and President Biden in engaging with China and other regional partners. She highlighted the significance of these diplomatic engagements in shaping the regional dynamics and fostering cooperation among countries in the Indo-Pacific. Despite the challenges and competition in the region, Kennedy expressed optimism about the potential for peaceful and stable relations through continued diplomatic efforts and communication between nations.
In conclusion, Kennedy emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue and diplomacy with China and other regional partners to navigate the changing dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region. She reassured that the Quad alliance is a durable and productive partnership that is essential for promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. By highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts and communication between leaders, Kennedy underscored the commitment of the US and its allies to managing competition and fostering cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Overall, Kennedy’s remarks reflect a diplomatic posture focused on engagement and dialogue as key to navigating complex regional challenges and maintaining positive relations with China and other key partners.
