Biden takes part in four-nation summit to increase vaccine distribution in Indo-Pacific

President Joe Biden met on Friday with the leaders of three other countries in an informal coalition referred to as the "Quad," a summit that aims to increase distribution of COVID-19 vaccines throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, consisting of the U.S., Japan, Australia and India, said in a joint statement that it seeks to "respond to the economic and health impacts of COVID-19, combat climate change, and address shared challenges."

"Building on the progress our countries have achieved on health security, we will join forces to expand safe, affordable, and effective vaccine production and equitable access, to speed economic recovery and benefit global health," the group went on. 

The group is widely seen as an informal alliance against growing Chinese influence over global affairs. Leaders met virtually due to concerns over the ongoing pandemic.