The United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken has landed in Melbourne as he begins his trip across the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia is part of a planned push to tighten up solidarity in the face of increasing tensions in the region. Mr Blinken’s visit will include a Quad meeting which involves leaders from Australia, India, Japan and the United States.
Professor Simon Jackman, CEO of the United States Studies Centre has told Jim Wilson on Radio 2GB, “What you’re seeing is a real concerted effort by the four members of the Quad. To get a senior US official out here is really important. What we’re waiting for is a major statement from the Biden Administration.”