The recent Quad leaders' summit held in Delaware, attended by US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, focused on expanding security cooperation among the member nations. The partnership prioritizes developments related to coast guard missions, particularly with the rising tensions related to China as a backdrop. Critics of the Quad point to the group's agenda and joint statements, noting that they emphasize a confrontational stance against China, especially regarding issues in the East and South China Seas.

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan attempted to downplay the focus on China, asserting that it was not the central aim of the Quad; however, discussions throughout the summit consistently circled back to the topic. Although the joint statement released post-summit refrained from explicitly naming China, it highlighted concerns regarding maritime activities in the contested seas. Biden’s candid remarks, inadvertently captured on a microphone, referred to the "aggressive China" as a testing factor for the alliance, reinforcing these concerns.

Experts note that while Quad members seek to downplay their focus on China by promoting shared values and strategic interests, the underlying strategies indicate a clear targeting of Chinese influence in the region. The agreement for a joint coast guard mission in 2025, along with logistics enhancements and increased data sharing, signals a collective approach to bolster maritime security, especially for nations like the Philippines and Japan, which face maritime disputes with China. The Quad's statement criticizing the "dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels" alludes to increasing tensions with China, even as analysts contend that China's responses aim to protect its territorial sovereignty.

Critics from China have labeled the Quad as a source of regional tension, accusing the group of fostering division and confrontation instead of promoting stability. They highlight the US's role in exacerbating these tensions through military presence and alliances that challenge China's position. Furthermore, some academics argue that while the Quad represents a loose coalition, its activities primarily serve US interests and reflect a strategic maneuver to counter China's influence both regionally and globally. There remains uncertainty about whether the Quad will evolve into a more organized alliance or continue to function as a loose coalition with divergent member interests.