US to open embassies in the Cook Islands, Niue
1 year, 2 months ago

US to open embassies in the Cook Islands, Niue

Al Jazeera  

Announcement comes as US President Joe Biden prepares to host a second summit with Pacific Island leaders in Washington DC. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden would use the summit to strengthen “ties with the Pacific Islands and discuss how we address complex global challenges, like tackling the existential threat of climate change, advancing economic growth, and promoting sustainable development”. At last year’s summit, the White House unveiled its Pacific strategy, an outline of its plan to assist the region’s leaders on pressing issues like climate change, maritime security and protecting the region from overfishing. Meg Keen, director of Pacific Island Programs at Australia’s Lowy Institute, said that while the US had opened new embassies and USAID offices in the region since last year’s summit, Congress had yet to approve the funds. The Pacific Island forum includes Australia, the Cook Islands, Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

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History of this topic

Pacific Islands wait for Trump, wary of climate and China stance
2 weeks ago

Pacific Islands wait for Trump, wary of climate and China stance

India Today  

Pacific island nations at the centre of a strategic rivalry between the U.S. and China that brought infrastructure and funding hope President-elect Donald Trump stays engaged in the region but are wary of competition spilling into confrontation, diplomats say. Papua New Guinea will continue to trade with China, even as U.S. military ties increase, he also told a resources conference …

Guam, American Samoa Upgraded to Associate Membership in Pacific Islands Forum
2 months ago

Guam, American Samoa Upgraded to Associate Membership in Pacific Islands Forum

The Diplomat  

When the leaders of the 18 members of Pacific Island Forum convened in Tonga in late August, one central agenda item was the status of Guam and American Samoa. The Pacific has increasingly become a space of geopolitical competition – with China more active in the region – and this means that Washington has a keen interest in having greater …

Pacific bloc backs joint police plan, maintains Taiwan ties
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Pacific bloc backs joint police plan, maintains Taiwan ties

The Hindu  

Pacific leaders endorsed a major joint policing initiative and rebuffed moves from China's allies to sideline Taiwan on Friday, as they wrapped up a regional summit in Tonga. Security was a focal point at this year's Pacific Islands Forum, an unwieldy bloc of U.S. partners, China friends and states still tied to Taiwan. China's closest Pacific friend, Solomon Islands, also …

Tropical Tug-of-War: China and the West’s Influence Battle in the Pacific
4 months ago

Tropical Tug-of-War: China and the West’s Influence Battle in the Pacific

The Diplomat  

The verdant islands of the Pacific, often romanticized as serene havens, are the latest battlegrounds in the geopolitical chess match between China and Western powers. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters, alongside Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, inaugurated a $36.55 million airstrip funded by New Zealand and Australia. Australia and New Zealand’s involvement in Solomon Islands signifies a concerted …

Solomon Islands PM Manele’s Foreign Visits: More Than a Mere Balancing Act
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Solomon Islands PM Manele’s Foreign Visits: More Than a Mere Balancing Act

The Diplomat  

Caught in the eye of a geopolitical storm, the Solomon Islands is back in the news, this time over newly elected Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele’s first foreign visits since taking office in May. Manele’s choice to visit Canberra before Beijing elevated hopes held by many that the “more diplomatic” leader values rebalancing Honiara’s foreign policy, which tipped in favor of …

Solomon Islands’ New Government: A Chance to Reset Australia’s Pacific Diplomacy
5 months ago

Solomon Islands’ New Government: A Chance to Reset Australia’s Pacific Diplomacy

The Diplomat  

The meeting between Solomon Islands’ new Prime Minister Jeremiah Manale and Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles in Honiara on May 21 suggested that the change in leadership in the island nation may have given the two governments an opportunity to reset their relationship. On this front, Marles' trip to Solomon Islands seemed to show that Canberra’s ties with the …

U.S. opens embassy in Vanuatu, latest step in China competition
5 months ago

U.S. opens embassy in Vanuatu, latest step in China competition

The Hindu  

The United States opened an embassy in the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu on July 18, the latest U.S. move in a long-running competition with China for influence in the Asia Pacific region. "The opening of the embassy builds upon our efforts to provide more diplomatic presence throughout the region and to engage further with our Pacific neighbors," the U.S. …

Solomon Islands and China are strengthening ties in a worrying move for US and its Pacific allies
5 months, 1 week ago

Solomon Islands and China are strengthening ties in a worrying move for US and its Pacific allies

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Solomon Islands’ new prime …

Solomon Islands and China are strengthening ties in a worrying move for US and its Pacific allies
5 months, 1 week ago

Solomon Islands and China are strengthening ties in a worrying move for US and its Pacific allies

Associated Press  

BEIJING — The new Solomon Islands prime minister is in China for a visit as Beijing and the strategic Pacific archipelago strengthen their ties. “Solomon Islands values its comprehensive and strategic relations with China,” Manele told Xi in prepared remarks at the start of their meeting in the Great Hall of the People. China’s influence increased significantly during the term …

Tonga’s prime minister says he’s open to Chinese help with security support at an upcoming summit
8 months, 2 weeks ago

Tonga’s prime minister says he’s open to Chinese help with security support at an upcoming summit

Associated Press  

MELBOURNE, Australia — Tonga’s prime minister said on Thursday he is open to Beijing’s offer of security support when the South Pacific kingdom hosts a major regional leaders’ summit, raising concerns in the United States as it strives to counter China’s growing influence. Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni said there was nothing to fear from China’s offer to help Tonga host …

Tonga's prime minister says he's open to Chinese help with security support at an upcoming summit
8 months, 2 weeks ago

Tonga's prime minister says he's open to Chinese help with security support at an upcoming summit

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Tonga’s prime minister said on …

New Zealand lobbied French on Solomon Islands-China pact, cables show
9 months, 3 weeks ago

New Zealand lobbied French on Solomon Islands-China pact, cables show

Al Jazeera  

New Zealand officials hoped French Polynesia and New Caledonia would respond to security pact, documents show. New Zealand diplomats in New Caledonia’s capital Noumea noted in their reports to Wellington that neither French Polynesia nor New Caledonia “is likely to take a public position” on the deal. After a meeting with New Caledonia’s High Commissioner Patrice Faure on March 30, …

Washington's overreaction in Pacific is telling: China Daily editorial
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Washington's overreaction in Pacific is telling: China Daily editorial

China Daily  

Reports that up to a dozen Chinese police officers are working in the remote atoll nation of Kiribati have again touched a nerve of the China hawks in Washington, obsessed as they are with their zero-sum game and geopolitical rivalry. A US State Department spokesperson warned the Pacific island country on Monday that it should not "import security forces from …

US will resume Peace Corps program in Palau as it moves to counter Chinese influence in Indo-Pacific
10 months, 3 weeks ago

US will resume Peace Corps program in Palau as it moves to counter Chinese influence in Indo-Pacific

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Joe Biden recognises the independence of Cook Islands and Niue.
1 year, 2 months ago

Joe Biden recognises the independence of Cook Islands and Niue.

Op India  

On Monday, US President Joe Biden announced US diplomatic recognition of two more Pacific island nations, the Cook Islands and Niue. Notably, on Monday, Biden hosted Pacific island leaders for a second White House summit. As per the official website of the White House, US President Biden said, “Today, I am proud to announce that the United States recognises the …

U.S. to establish diplomatic ties with Cook Islands and Niue as Biden hosts Pacific leaders
1 year, 3 months ago

U.S. to establish diplomatic ties with Cook Islands and Niue as Biden hosts Pacific leaders

LA Times  

President Biden speaks at last year’s U.S.-Pacific Island Country Summit. President Biden is set to establish diplomatic relations Monday with two South Pacific nations, the Cook Islands and Niue, as his administration aims to show to Pacific Island leaders that it is committed to increasing American presence in the region. The announcement comes as Biden prepares to welcome leaders to …

US Pacific Policy in China’s Shadow
1 year, 3 months ago

US Pacific Policy in China’s Shadow

The Diplomat  

There has been a flurry of Pacific Islands-related press releases coming out of the United States Department of State this year. On May 22 and 23 alone, the State Department issued four major read-outs: “The United States and Papua New Guinea Sign New Defense Cooperation Agreement,” “U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Dialogue in Papua New Guinea,” “Secretary Blinken Witnesses the Signing …

Can China Deliver What Solomon Islands Wants?
1 year, 3 months ago

Can China Deliver What Solomon Islands Wants?

The Diplomat  

Solomon Islands has denied its new security pact with China poses a threat to the Pacific, and has criticized Australia for withdrawing funding for vital services. In July, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare inked a raft of deals during a trip to China, upgrading the two nations’ relationship to a “comprehensive strategic partnership.” The deal comes four years after …

Does the US see Pacific Island countries as "true partners"?
1 year, 3 months ago

Does the US see Pacific Island countries as "true partners"?

China Daily  

The US Capitol building is seen in Washington, DC, the United States, Nov. 4, 2022. It is quite uncommon for the two top officials of the US foreign service and military to visit Pacific island countries at the same time. It seems that the recent "interest" in the Pacific island countries shown by the US is not about bringing prosperity …

US’s Blinken visits Tonga, warns of ‘predatory’ Chinese aid
1 year, 4 months ago

US’s Blinken visits Tonga, warns of ‘predatory’ Chinese aid

Al Jazeera  

Antony Blinken, who is in Tonga to dedicate a new embassy, is the first US Secretary of State to visit the Pacific nation. Antony Blinken, the United States secretary of state, has pledged to step up support for Pacific nations and reiterated a warning about the perils of “predatory” Chinese investment as he dedicated a new embassy in the island …

US eyes massive ramp-up in diplomatic personnel and spending at new Pacific island embassies
1 year, 5 months ago

US eyes massive ramp-up in diplomatic personnel and spending at new Pacific island embassies

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The State Department says it plans a massive increase in diplomatic personnel and spending for facilities at new U.S. embassies in the Pacific islands as the Biden administration forges ahead with efforts to counter China’s growing influence in the region. “The lack of a permanent U.S. diplomatic presence in more heavily populated undermines U.S. efforts to engage as …

China signs pact with Solomon Islands to boost cooperation on ‘law enforcement and security matters’
1 year, 5 months ago

China signs pact with Solomon Islands to boost cooperation on ‘law enforcement and security matters’

Associated Press  

BEIJING — The Solomon Islands has signed an agreement to boost cooperation with China on “law enforcement and security matters,” in a move likely to raise concerns among the South Pacific island’s traditional partners including Australia, New Zealand and the United States. The Chinese side will continue to provide support and help to Solomon Islands as needed in strengthening Solomon …

China, Solomon Islands elevate ‘strategic’ ties
1 year, 5 months ago

China, Solomon Islands elevate ‘strategic’ ties

Al Jazeera  

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare announced the launch of a comprehensive strategic partnership on Monday afternoon, a year after striking a security deal that set off a scramble from the United States and its allies to counter Beijing’s growing influence in the Pacific Islands region. “We are here to further boost relations,” Sogavare told …

Despite Biden’s Absence, US Makes Inroads With Pacific Islands
1 year, 6 months ago

Despite Biden’s Absence, US Makes Inroads With Pacific Islands

The Diplomat  

While disappointment lingered over U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision to cancel his trip to Papua New Guinea last month, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken attended meetings in Port Moresby in his stead. Among the major deliverables, the United States signed a new security pact with Papua New Guinea, seen as a key victory in the competition with China for …

Papua New Guinea says security treaty with Australia has been delayed over certain provisions
1 year, 6 months ago

Papua New Guinea says security treaty with Australia has been delayed over certain provisions

Associated Press  

CANBERRA, Australia — Papua New Guinean Prime Minister James Marape said a proposed security treaty with Australia has been delayed over “certain wordings and provisions,” a week after the strategically important South Pacific Island nation signed a new security pact with the United States that sparked protests. Marape informed Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles of the delay on Monday …

US, Micronesia deepen political and economic ties
1 year, 7 months ago

US, Micronesia deepen political and economic ties

Al Jazeera  

Deal is likely to be a blow to China, which has made a concerted effort to increase its influence in Micronesia. State Department officials said on Wednesday that three documents related to Micronesia’s Compacts of Free Association with the United States had been signed in Pohnpei, signalling the extension of a 20-year-old arrangement that gives the island nation defence and …

China in the Pacific: The Fiji Case
1 year, 7 months ago

China in the Pacific: The Fiji Case

The Diplomat  

Much has changed in the Pacific in the year since Solomon Islands signed a security agreement with China in April 2022. When Bainimarama grasped power in a 2006 military coup, his ostracism by Fiji’s traditional partners in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States was China’s great gain. In turn, Bainimarama adopted a “look north” policy that embraced China’s growing …

US signs new security pact with Papua New Guinea amid competition with China
1 year, 7 months ago

US signs new security pact with Papua New Guinea amid competition with China

Associated Press  

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea — The United States signed a new security pact with Papua New Guinea on Monday as it competes with China for influence in the Pacific. The State Department said the new agreement provides a framework to help improve security cooperation, enhance the capacity of Papua New Guinea’s defense force and increase regional stability. Papua New …

Papua New Guinea, US sign defence and maritime pact
1 year, 7 months ago

Papua New Guinea, US sign defence and maritime pact

Al Jazeera  

Blinken says defence and maritime surveillance pact was signed by both countries ‘as equals and sovereign partners’. The United States has signed a defence and maritime surveillance agreement with Papua New Guinea during a visit by the top US diplomat as Washington aims to counter China’s influence in the Pacific region. “The defence cooperation was drafted by the United States …

U.S. signs new security pact with Papua New Guinea amid competition with China
1 year, 7 months ago

U.S. signs new security pact with Papua New Guinea amid competition with China

LA Times  

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, left, shakes hands with Papua New Guinean Prime Minister James Marape at a meeting Monday in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The U.S. signed a new security pact with Papua New Guinea on Monday as it competes with China for influence in the Pacific. The State Department said the new agreement provides a framework …

China warns against ‘geopolitical games’ as US announces Blinken trip to Papua New Guinea
1 year, 7 months ago

China warns against ‘geopolitical games’ as US announces Blinken trip to Papua New Guinea

Associated Press  

BEIJING — China on Friday warned against the introduction of “geopolitical games” in the South Pacific following the announcement that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Papua New Guinea next week. However, Wang added, “We also oppose any introduction of any geopolitical games into the Pacific Island country region.” Biden’s planned Papua New Guinea visit would have been …

Biden to be first sitting US president to visit Papua New Guinea
1 year, 7 months ago

Biden to be first sitting US president to visit Papua New Guinea

Al Jazeera  

Announcement comes as Washington has increasingly sought to shore up influence in the Pacific to counter China. Joe Biden is set to become the first sitting United States president in history to visit Papua New Guinea, the White House has said, as Washington continues to shore up support among countries in the Pacific as part of a wider effort to …

Biden to meet 18 Pacific leaders in Papua New Guinea
1 year, 7 months ago

Biden to meet 18 Pacific leaders in Papua New Guinea

The Hindu  

U.S. President Joe Biden will meet 18 leaders from the South Pacific when he visits Papua New Guinea in May, a top regional diplomat said Saturday, as the United States and China vie for influence. Papua New Guinea Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko told a news conference Mr. Biden would attend bilateral talks with his hosts and is "also having a …

US to Expand Presence in South Pacific with Embassy in Vanuatu to Counter China's Influence
1 year, 8 months ago

US to Expand Presence in South Pacific with Embassy in Vanuatu to Counter China's Influence

News 18  

The United States said Friday it planned to open an embassy in Vanuatu, its latest effort to beef up its presence in the South Pacific where China has been seeking to expand its clout. An embassy in the capital Port Vila “would allow the US government to deepen relationships” in the archipelago and to step up development assistance including on …

US to open Vanuatu embassy in latest move to counter China in Pacific
1 year, 8 months ago

US to open Vanuatu embassy in latest move to counter China in Pacific

ABC  

The United States plans to open an embassy in the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, the State Department has said, in Washington's latest move to boost its diplomatic presence in the Pacific to counter China's growing influence. Key points: The United States has diplomatic relations with Vanuatu Currently the US is represented by diplomats based in Papua New Guinea …

Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa warns China not the only outside power looking to increase their presence in Pacific
1 year, 9 months ago

Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa warns China not the only outside power looking to increase their presence in Pacific

ABC  

Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa has warned that China and other outside powers could cite the need to protect their infrastructure projects in the Pacific as a front for establishing a security presence in the region. Key points: Fiame Naomi Mata'afa says China is not the only major power that may want increased military access to the Pacific She …

Pacific Island leaders announce US President Joe Biden will visit the region
1 year, 10 months ago

Pacific Island leaders announce US President Joe Biden will visit the region

ABC  

Five Micronesian countries have declared that US President Joe Biden will visit the Pacific for a leaders' meeting later this year, in another sign that the United States remains intent on ramping up high-level diplomatic engagement with the region. Key points: Micronesian leaders have indicated Joe Biden will attend the PIF Leaders Summit in Cook Islands later this year The …

US opens embassy in Solomon Islands to counter China
1 year, 10 months ago

US opens embassy in Solomon Islands to counter China

Associated Press  

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — The United States opened an embassy in the Solomon Islands on Thursday in its latest move to counter China’s push into the Pacific. The U.S. State Department notified lawmakers early last year that China’s growing influence in the region made reopening the Solomon Islands embassy a priority. “We are seeing this bond weaken as the People’s …

‘Symbol of renewal’: US reopens Solomon Islands embassy
1 year, 10 months ago

‘Symbol of renewal’: US reopens Solomon Islands embassy

Al Jazeera  

The US has been stepping up engagement with the Pacific amid concerns about China’s influence in the region. It announced its intention to reopen the diplomatic mission after it emerged in April 2022 that the Solomon Islands had agreed to a secret security pact with China. The Solomon Islands had switched diplomatic ties to Beijing from self-ruled Taiwan, which China …

US moves to reopen Solomon Islands embassy to counter China
1 year, 11 months ago

US moves to reopen Solomon Islands embassy to counter China

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration is plowing ahead with plans to re-open the U.S. embassy in the Solomon Islands in a bid to counter China’s increasing assertiveness in the Pacific. The department notified lawmakers nearly a year ago that China’s growing influence in the region made re-opening the U.S. embassy in the Solomon Islands a priority. “We are seeing this …

US moves to reopen Solomon Islands embassy to counter China
1 year, 11 months ago

US moves to reopen Solomon Islands embassy to counter China

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Australian politicians arrive in Palau, one of the few Pacific nations to diplomatically favour Taiwan over China
2 years ago

Australian politicians arrive in Palau, one of the few Pacific nations to diplomatically favour Taiwan over China

ABC  

The tiny nation of Palau, which continues to defy pressure from Beijing to drop diplomatic ties with Taiwan, has welcomed a bi-partisan delegation from Australia as concerns grow over China's rising presence in the Pacific. Key points: President Panuelo talked maritime security and combating climate change in a bipartisan meeting with Australian MPs A six-hour visit to Palikir coincided with …

Closer security ties flagged with Vanuatu as Australia wrestles with China's Pacific rise
2 years ago

Closer security ties flagged with Vanuatu as Australia wrestles with China's Pacific rise

ABC  

Australia has cemented closer security ties with Vanuatu as the strategically located Pacific nation assures a visiting bi-partisan delegation led by Foreign Minister Penny Wong that it isn't discussing a similar deal with China. Key points: Vanuatu describes Australia as a "core" security partner That partnership will include further military, policing and cyber security co-operation Vanuatu's foreign minister says the …

What Did the US-Pacific Summit Achieve?
2 years, 1 month ago

What Did the US-Pacific Summit Achieve?

The Diplomat  

On September 28, while Hurricane Ian provided a devastating illustration of the terrible costs of climate change, leaders from 14 Pacific nations and territories gathered in Washington, D.C., for a historic summit in which climate action was top of the agenda. As President Joe Biden put it to the summit, “the security of America, quite frankly, and the world depends …

This island territory wants a seat at the Pacific's 'top table'. But who is pulling the strings?
2 years, 2 months ago

This island territory wants a seat at the Pacific's 'top table'. But who is pulling the strings?

ABC  

The government of Guam has rejected suggestions Washington is behind the United States territory's bid to join the Pacific's peak diplomatic body. Key points: The Pacific Islands Forum is the main body Pacific nations and territories use to engage and make decisions If Guam's request to join is successful it would be boost the United States' push for influence in …

Solomon Islands agreed to accord after China references axed
2 years, 2 months ago

Solomon Islands agreed to accord after China references axed

Associated Press  

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Solomon Islands agreed to sign an accord between the United States and more than a dozen Pacific nations only after indirect references to China were removed, the Solomon Islands foreign minister said Tuesday. Ahead of the summit, diplomats had said Solomon Islands was signaling it was unlikely to sign the joint declaration, which would have represented …

Biden vows US commitment to Pacific Islands at summit
2 years, 2 months ago

Biden vows US commitment to Pacific Islands at summit

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Thursday told visiting leaders from more than a dozen Pacific Island countries that the U.S. was committed to bolstering its presence in their region and becoming a more collaborative partner as they face the “existential threat” of climate change. “And the Pacific Islands are a critical voice in shaping the future, and that’s why …

US, Pacific Island leaders vow to strengthen ties with historic partnership declaration amid growing China risks
2 years, 2 months ago

US, Pacific Island leaders vow to strengthen ties with historic partnership declaration amid growing China risks

ABC  

The United States and Pacific island nations have unveiled a historic joint partnership declaration, vowing to strengthen ties amid growing concerns of China's role in the region. Key points: The White House said the announcements amount to more than $US810 million in new expanded programs The US said pressure and coercion from China risks "undermining the peace, prosperity, and security …

US has agreed Pacific Islands deal, offering ‘big dollar numbers’
2 years, 2 months ago

US has agreed Pacific Islands deal, offering ‘big dollar numbers’

Al Jazeera  

The US is looking to reengage in a region where China has been steadily expanding its influence. The United States says it has agreed on a partnership with the Pacific Islands that offers the prospect of “big dollar” help to a region where China has been expanding its influence. Among the measures, the US plans to expand its diplomatic footprint …

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