Australia's Morrison says Indo-Pacific should always be free from coercion

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison stressed the importance of a "free and open" Indo-Pacific, as leaders of the United States, Japan, India and Australia began their Quad meeting on Friday at the White House.

Morrison further stated the Indo-Pacific should be free from coercion, addressing a concern about Beijing's increasing assertiveness and growing influence in the region.

(Reporting by Steve Holland, David Brunnstrom and Nandita Bose in Washington)

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks with the media following a day of meetings with foreign counterparts at the White House in Washington, U.S., September 24, 2021. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison leaves the White House following a day of meetings with foreign counterparts at the White House in Washington, U.S., September 24, 2021. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein

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