Tokyo: Newly-appointed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized unity for peace and stability in the wider Asia-Pacific region during his inaugural meeting with counterparts from the Quad group, according to Japan's Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya. Rubio began his duties by holding his first foreign ministerial meeting with the so-called grouping of the four nations including Japan, the US, India, and Australia-the day he was sworn in.

According to Anadolu Agency, Rubio's approach was noted for not antagonizing China by name, despite his known stance as a China hawk. Rubio has previously referred to China as "the most potent, dangerous and near-peer adversary" the US has ever faced. This restrained approach was highlighted by Iwaya in an interview with Nikkei Asia, where he expressed his impression of Rubio's diplomacy.

China has historically sanctioned top US Republicans, including Rubio, following US sanctions on Chinese officials for alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. However, China has shown a willingness to engage with Rubio, highlighting the necessity for high-level communications between Chinese and American officials.

During the Quad meeting, Rubio reiterated the US commitment to maintaining regional deterrence, with a focus on cooperation rather than confrontation. Iwaya noted that Rubio acknowledged the importance of addressing challenges posed by China, while also emphasizing that the Quad was not designed to target any specific nation. The Quad, established in 2007, continues to serve as a platform for dialogue and cooperation among its member nations.

Iwaya also became the first Japanese foreign minister to attend the inauguration of a US president, marking a significant diplomatic gesture as Donald Trump returned to the White House for a non-consecutive second term.