China on Tuesday reiterated its opposition to what it called “exclusive cliques” and “bloc confrontation” after foreign ministers from the QUAD group met in India for high-level talks.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said cooperation between countries should promote regional peace, stability and prosperity rather than target any third party.

“We also do not support the formation of exclusive cliques or bloc confrontation,” Mao said during a regular press briefing.

QUAD Meeting In India

The comments came after foreign ministers from the QUAD comprising India, the United States, Australia and Japan gathered in India on Tuesday.

The grouping announced plans to jointly build a port in Fiji and signed agreements related to critical minerals and energy security.

The QUAD has increasingly expanded cooperation on infrastructure, maritime security, technology and supply chains across the Indo-Pacific region.

China’s Concerns Over Regional Blocs

Beijing has repeatedly criticised the QUAD, viewing the grouping as part of broader efforts to counter China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific.

Chinese officials have consistently argued that regional alliances should avoid escalating geopolitical rivalry or undermining trust among Asian countries.

Growing Indo-Pacific Competition

The latest exchange highlights intensifying strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific as China and the QUAD countries deepen rival initiatives across trade, security and infrastructure.

The QUAD nations, however, maintain that the grouping is focused on maintaining a free, open and stable Indo-Pacific region.

(with inputs from Reuters)