The Quad foreign ministers convened, discussing critical minerals, maritime initiatives, and energy security, with a core goal of a free Indo-Pacific. An ironic contradiction emerged with the unfree Strait of Hormuz, for which the US bears responsibility, likely remaining undiscussed. The meeting's implicit objective was countering an assertive China. Yet, potential US neglect of the Quad, favoring direct engagement with China, suggests other members, like India and Japan, must strategize for the group's sustained relevance, especially as Australia is also part of AUKUS.