China standoff a priority for Australia at first Quad leaders meeting

China criticises selective multilateralism' as US, Australia, India and Japan discuss climate, the pandemic, security and trade

Joe Biden's forthcoming meeting with the leaders of Australia, Japan and India signals Canberra doesn't stand alone" at a time of intense pressure from China, experts say.

But while regional challenges are expected to be top of the agenda for the first leaders' summit of the Quad" countries later this week, the White House has also indicated the climate crisis will be part of the talks - reflecting the US president's desire to ensure all countries lift their level of ambition.