The grouping of the four major democracies in the Indo-Pacific, formally known as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, is widely considered a united front maintained in response to China's rise in the nearby waters and alleged human rights abuses.

"We hope consultations, cooperation and dialogue among relevant nations can be conducive to peace and stability in the world and region," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters, adding the Quad should be a "positive force for good."

Beijing has warned against the Quad's possible attempt to erode the influence of communist-led mainland China, as the administration of US President Joe Biden is committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific and to the Japan-US-Australia-India framework.

The Global Times, a tabloid affiliated with the ruling Communist Party, said earlier this month, "China has no strategic intention or plan to dominate the region at all."

"This is one of the most fundamental misjudgments of the US If the US continues to uphold such a false reading, it may lead to a severe strategic confrontation between China and the US," it added.

The article came after a source from one of the countries involved said the United States, Japan, Australia and India are working to arrange the first meeting of their leaders under the Quad framework.

The US State Department also said the four nations are scheduled to hold a foreign ministers' meeting online Thursday.

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