[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-woo] A senior U.S. official stated that adding South Korea to the Indo-Pacific regional military security chain Quad, which aims to contain China, is not being considered at this time.
According to CNN and other foreign media on the 22nd, the senior U.S. official said during a briefing with the White House press corps accompanying President Joe Biden's visit to South Korea, "Currently, we are not considering adding South Korea to the Quad," and added, "Rather than thinking about new member countries, the current goal is to develop and strengthen what the Quad has already presented."
Since the Quad was recently elevated to a summit-level forum, the emphasis is on developing and solidifying the existing agenda rather than adding new member countries. The U.S. has consistently maintained that it is not pursuing a 'Quad Plus (+)' expansion to include additional members.
The Quad is a consultative group among the U.S., Japan, Australia, and India aimed at containing China. On the 24th, the second in-person summit of the four leaders will be held in Japan. Including virtual meetings, this will be the fourth since President Biden took office.
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