During a session of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism about convening a Quad leaders meeting this year, possibly alongside the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in November in Shenzhen, China. Rubio highlighted that the Quad, which includes India, the US, Australia, and Japan, aims to enhance collaboration on issues of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region, especially in light of growing military assertiveness from China. He noted that the leaders' meeting would not be standalone but rather integrated into a larger global event, facilitating attendance. Recent discussions within the Quad have led to frameworks addressing energy security and critical minerals, as well as initiatives aimed at bolstering maritime surveillance and port infrastructure. The Quad's focus on these areas reflects its commitment to maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific, following the last foreign ministers' meeting held in Washington, DC, in July.