China cut off diplomatic and trade channels with Australia in a largely symbolic act of fury last May, following clashes over issues including human rights, espionage and the origins of Covid-19.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.(REUTERS)
Albanese, the leader of Australia's Labor Party who was sworn in as his country's 31st prime minister a day earlier, also said the Quad stood together for a "free and open Indo-Pacific".
Quad Summit leader Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is pictured at Kantei Palace in Tokyo, Japan.(REUTERS)
Vettori represented New Zealand in 113 Tests and 295 ODIs in an 18-year-long illustrious career. The former all-rounder's association with McDonald as part IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore's support staff is believed to have played an important role in his appointment.
On the second leg of his first Asia trip as president, Biden is to meet with leaders of Japan, India and Australia, the Quad, another cornerstone of his strategy to push back against China’s expanding influence.
Protesters march against the talks between the US, Japan and other Quad leaders in Tokyo, Japan. REUTERS