CNN quoted Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as confirming the information on May 17. However, he said that discussions of the "Quad" group could still take place when the four leaders of the US, India, Australia and Japan arrived in Tokyo to attend the G7 summit.
The Quad summit is scheduled for May 24 and is expected to include US President Joe Biden, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio.
From left: Leaders of Australia, the US, Japan and India in the "Quad" group. Photo: Asia Society
Mr. Biden has planned to go to Sydney, Australia to attend this conference, as part of his week-long visit to Asia.
The White House announced on May 16 that Mr. Biden would cut short his visit to Asia, reportedly due to ongoing debt ceiling negotiations in Washington.
Despite the cancellation of the Quad summit, the leaders will still hold discussions in Japan, but the date has not been confirmed. Issues to be discussed are expected to include cooperation on critical and emerging technologies, climate change, and more, according to a White House announcement last month.
Meanwhile, Mr Albanese said other "Quad" leaders could still travel to Sydney next week.
According to the original schedule, Mr. Biden's visit this time included a stop in Port Moresby - Papua New Guinea. He is expected to meet other leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum.
However, Derek Grossman, a senior defense analyst at the RAND Corporation (USA), said that Mr. Biden's cancellation of his visit to Papua New Guinea could have broader consequences for US policy in the Pacific Islands.
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