China Opposes Quad Meet In India, Warns Against ‘Bloc Politics’ As Group Expands Maritime And Energy Cooperati

China criticises renewed coordination among Quad members on May 26, 2026, saying the grouping risks forming “small cliques” and fuelling bloc politics. The comments follow a Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New Delhi that deepens collaboration on critical minerals, energy security, maritime surveillance and port projects across the Indo-Pacific.

Responding to questions on the latest Quad moves, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning restates Beijing’s opposition to groupings perceived as exclusive. Mao Ning says China has already explained its stance on the Quad several times and insists regional cooperation should not undermine any other country’s interests or stability.

Quad Indo-Pacific cooperation and China

Mao Ning says, “Regarding the "Quad Mechanism," China has stated its position multiple times. Cooperation between nations should be conducive to promoting regional peace, stability, and prosperity, and should not target any third party. We oppose the creation of exclusive "small cliques" and oppose bloc confrontation." The remarks underline China’s concern about regional alignments.

The Quad meeting in New Delhi is chaired by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and attended by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. The ministers decide to widen joint work on critical minerals and energy while strengthening monitoring of Indo-Pacific waters and related infrastructure.

Quad Indo-Pacific statement and China

In a joint statement, the ministers say, "We affirm our support for a free and open Indo-Pacific that allows countries to develop resilience and strengthen capacity to determine their own paths. To that end, we concur on further enhancing cooperation and advancing concrete initiatives to deliver tangible benefits to the region." Their message signals longer-term coordination.

The statement also urges safe and steady trade through the Strait of Hormuz, criticises Iran’s tolls on commercial vessels, and voices concern about tensions in the East China Sea and South China Sea. “We reiterate our strong opposition to any destabilising or unilateral actions, including by force or coercion, that threaten peace and stability in the region,” the ministers add, indirectly addressing China.