Washington, Feb 14 (NationPress) In a significant move, two prominent US senators have called upon the Trump Administration to organize a Quad Leaders’ Summit prior to President Donald Trump’s anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in April. They argue that such a summit would enhance Washington’s influence in negotiations with Beijing.

Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE), who serve on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, have addressed a letter to Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio, urging the Administration to prioritize the next phase of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) that includes the United States, Australia, India, and Japan.

India is set to host the Quad summit, which was initially planned for 2025. All participating countries, including Trump, have expressed their commitment to attend this year’s summit in India.

“At this crucial juncture of intense strategic competition with the People’s Republic of China, organizing a Quad Leaders’ Summit would convey a clear message of unity, determination, and strategic alignment among the leading democracies in the Indo-Pacific,” the senators stated.

“A Quad summit before President Trump’s scheduled meeting with Xi Jinping in April would serve as a decisive illustration of US leadership in the Indo-Pacific ahead of the President’s visit to Beijing. A successful summit would allow President Trump to engage with greater leverage,” they emphasized.

The senators highlighted that “Timeliness and order are paramount,” reiterating that a meeting prior to Trump’s visit to Beijing would influence the diplomatic landscape.

They pointed out that the Quad partners are “well-equipped to act in unison,” referencing recent developments in US relations with Australia, India, and Japan.

“President Trump’s recent achievements in advancing American interests within our bilateral relationships with Australia, India, and Japan have set the stage for renewed collective action through the Quad,” they noted.

The letter also mentioned the enhanced collaboration between Australia and Japan on “critical technologies and resilient supply chains,” and the increased defense commitments through reaffirmed AUKUS agreements and deeper extended-deterrence coordination.

Additionally, they referenced “The Administration’s announcement of a trade agreement with India,” asserting that it “prepares the groundwork to significantly deepen strategic and defense cooperation with India and across the Indo-Pacific.”

Emphasizing shared concerns, the senators wrote: “All four Quad partners are confronted with common challenges including vulnerabilities in supply chains, restrictions on critical minerals, threats to a free and open Indo-Pacific, and escalating competition over emerging technologies.”

They further noted that “China has subjected Japan to increased diplomatic pressure, military intimidation, and economic coercion, which poses risks to regional stability and international norms.”

“The Quad is uniquely positioned to tackle these issues and further many of the goals outlined in President Trump’s 2025 National Security Strategy, building on past successes of previous Administrations, including enhancing allied deterrence, reducing strategic dependencies on rivals, preserving technological supremacy, and maintaining freedom of navigation,” the letter concluded.

The senators wrapped up by urging swift action. “We anticipate collaborating with you to fortify the Quad at this crucial moment for US diplomacy and implore you to prioritize the organization of a Quad Leaders’ Summit, along with subsequent Foreign Minister and working group meetings,” they stated. “This would reinforce American leadership, empower our closest allies, and ensure that future interactions with Beijing are rooted in unity, strength, and strategic foresight.”

They also requested “a briefing to discuss the Administration’s vision and priorities for the Quad by March 13, 2026.”

The Quad, which includes the United States, India, Japan, and Australia, has evolved into a crucial platform for collaboration on Indo-Pacific security, resilient supply chains, emerging technologies, and maritime cooperation over the past decade. India has consistently supported a free and open Indo-Pacific, while navigating its own intricate relationship with China amidst border tensions and broader regional rivalries.