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. Department of State said in a statement. “The U.S. earlier opened embassies in two other island nations, Solomon Islands and Tonga, and plans to open one more in Kiribati,” a State Department official told the U.S. Congress in March. In February, the United States cautioned Pacific island nations against accepting assistance from Chinese security forces following a Reuters report that Chinese police were working in Kiribati, a remote atoll nation near Hawaii.

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History of this topic

Leaders of Pacific Islands endorse joint policing plan
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Leaders of Pacific Islands endorse joint policing plan

The Hindu  

Pacific Island leaders endorsed a landmark regional policing plan at a summit in Tonga on Wednesday, a contentious move seen as trying to limit China’s security role in the region. “This demonstrates how Pacific leaders are working together to shape the future that we want to see,” said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The Australian leader made the announcement while …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Fuss about policing deal much ado about nothing: China Daily editorial
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Fuss about policing deal much ado about nothing: China Daily editorial

China Daily  

Pat Conroy, Australia's minister for defense industry and minister for international development and the Pacific, pledged A$35 million in policing assistance to neighboring East Timor on Monday during an official visit. Yet China being in early talks with Papua New Guinea on a potential security and policing deal, following an earlier one with the Solomon Islands, seems to have set …

Seesawing Security Diplomacy in the Pacific
11 months ago

Seesawing Security Diplomacy in the Pacific

The Diplomat  

The recently announced security agreement between Australia and Tuvalu, and the signing of a security pact by Australia and Papua New Guinea, have been touted as Australian “wins” in its strategic competition against China for influence in the sensitive domain of security cooperation with Pacific island countries. This followed Vanuatu’s requests to water down a security agreement with Australia, Fiji’s …

Australia pushes against China's Pacific influence through a security pact with Papua New Guinea
1 year ago

Australia pushes against China's Pacific influence through a security pact with Papua New Guinea

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 {{ …

China sending more police, donating equipment including drones to Solomon Islands for Pacific Games
1 year, 1 month ago

China sending more police, donating equipment including drones to Solomon Islands for Pacific Games

ABC  

Concern is mounting in Canberra after Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare announced that China is sending additional police to the country to help provide security for the Pacific Games. Key points: The prospect of a larger Chinese police presence in Solomon Islands will worry Australian officials Australia has sent a sizeable contingent of police and ADF personnel to Honiara, …

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 …

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 …

Australia to send more police to Solomon Islands, extend mission
1 year, 3 months ago

Australia to send more police to Solomon Islands, extend mission

Al Jazeera  

Extended Australian police mission will boost security for the upcoming Pacific Games as well as next year’s general elections. Australia has announced plans to send additional police to the Solomon Islands to boost security for the Pacific Games in November, keeping them there until June to assist with the general elections. The extended Australian police presence, announced on Sunday, comes …

US given OK to enforce maritime law around Palau as Washington vies with China for Pacific influence
1 year, 3 months ago

US given OK to enforce maritime law around Palau as Washington vies with China for Pacific influence

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — The United States has signed a new agreement with Palau, which gives American ships the authorization to unilaterally enforce maritime regulations in the tiny Pacific island nation’s exclusive economic zone, the U.S. Coast Guard said Tuesday. In the agreement, concluded a week ago, U.S. Coast Guard ships can enforce regulations inside Palau’s exclusive economic zone on behalf of …

Solomon Islands says China to assist with policing, cybersecurity
1 year, 5 months ago

Solomon Islands says China to assist with policing, cybersecurity

Al Jazeera  

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says China’s police will add to support provided by Australia and New Zealand. The United States, Australia, New Zealand and Solomon Islands’ opposition party have called for Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare to “immediately” publish details of the policing deal signed in Beijing on Monday, amid concern it will invite further regional contest. In a statement on …

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 …

Australia ‘concerned’ by China-Solomon Islands policing deal
1 year, 5 months ago

Australia ‘concerned’ by China-Solomon Islands policing deal

Al Jazeera  

Australia urges the nations to publish details of the police deal which it says will ‘invite further regional contest’. Australia on Tuesday asked the Solomon Islands and China to “provide transparency of their intentions to Australia and the region” by immediately publishing details of a policing deal signed in Beijing. The police cooperation pact was among nine deals signed after …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Solomon Islands receives visits from United States, China and Japan as 'friends to all, enemy to none' policy proves popular
1 year, 9 months ago

Solomon Islands receives visits from United States, China and Japan as 'friends to all, enemy to none' policy proves popular

ABC  

You could call it a Switzerland-like foreign relations policy — just in the Pacific. "Friends to all, enemy to none" is how Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare describes it. And on Tuesday he hosted the United States Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell — the man the Biden administration has backed to lead his country's new-found "step-up" in the region. "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 {{ …

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 …

In Pacific islands, US diplomatic push stirs memories of neglect
2 years, 5 months ago

In Pacific islands, US diplomatic push stirs memories of neglect

Al Jazeera  

As United States Vice President Kamala Harris unveiled a major ramping up of US aid and diplomacy in Pacific island countries on Wednesday, she acknowledged that they had not always received the “attention and support that you deserve”. Speaking after Harris’ announcement, Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said the US “is certainly looking a lot more like the Pacific partner …

Can the US Respond to the Pacific’s Rise and Woes?
2 years, 6 months ago

Can the US Respond to the Pacific’s Rise and Woes?

The Diplomat  

As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine brings back the tensions of the Cold War, China’s foray into the Pacific Islands is bringing back memories of World War II. Beijing’s intentions for the region at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and China have been unsettling not just for Washington, but for the region at large. Granted, the White …

China and the Pacific Step Up
2 years, 6 months ago

China and the Pacific Step Up

Hindustan Times  

In the recent Australian elections on May 21, 2022, we saw China dominating the domestic politics during the election campaigns. The leaked document revealed the South Pacific Island’s unprecedented level of security cooperation with Beijing which includes the latter’s right to access naval facilities in the Solomon Islands for resupply/logistical replenishments and stopover transitions. The advantage of a base for …

China’s foreign minister starts Pacific tour in the Solomons
2 years, 6 months ago

China’s foreign minister starts Pacific tour in the Solomons

Associated Press  

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and a 20-strong delegation arrived in the Solomon Islands Thursday at the start of an eight-nation tour that comes amid growing concerns about Beijing’s military and financial ambitions in the South Pacific region. “We are a partner that won’t erode Pacific priorities or Pacific institutions.” Meanwhile, the Media Association of Solomon …

Chinese FM to visit Solomon Islands amid security pact worry
2 years, 6 months ago

Chinese FM to visit Solomon Islands amid security pact worry

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Solomon Islands this week in what the South Pacific nation’s leader said was a “milestone” in his country’s relationship with China, amid concerns that their new security pact could allow Chinese military personnel on the islands. Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, in a one-on-one meeting, expressed concern about China’s …

Solomon Islands says it will restrict Chinese police
2 years, 7 months ago

Solomon Islands says it will restrict Chinese police

Al Jazeera  

Solomon Islands envoy to Australia says Chinese police stationed there will be under local command. The Solomon Islands envoy to Australia has said Chinese police dispatched there will be under the jurisdiction of the local force and unable to use the heavy-handed tactics seen in cities like Hong Kong. “We will make sure that things happening in other countries like …

Explained | Why has the China-Solomon Islands deal become the latest flashpoint between China and the U.S.?
2 years, 8 months ago

Explained | Why has the China-Solomon Islands deal become the latest flashpoint between China and the U.S.?

The Hindu  

The story so far: China’s government said on April 19 it had signed a security deal with the Solomon Islands. Giving China a strategic foothold in the Pacific, the agreement evoked concern from Australia and the United States, which despatched top officials earlier this week to the Solomon Islands, emerging as the latest flashpoint between the world’s two biggest powers. …

China, Solomon Islands sign landmark security pact
2 years, 8 months ago

China, Solomon Islands sign landmark security pact

The Hindu  

China said on Tuesday it had signed a security pact with the Solomon Islands, a first-of-its-kind arrangement that could pave the way for further Chinese security deals overseas. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Jeremiah Manele of the Solomon Islands signed an inter-governmental framework agreement on security …

China, Solomon Islands pact would set 'concerning precedent', United States warns
2 years, 8 months ago

China, Solomon Islands pact would set 'concerning precedent', United States warns

ABC  

The United States has warned a proposed security pact between Solomon Islands and China may destabilise the Pacific Island nation and set a "concerning precedent" for the region. Key points: A top US official will lead a delegation to Solomon Islands later this week A State Department spokesman says the pact with China could "increase destabilisation" within Solomon Islands The …

China Spreads its Tentacles in Australia's Backyard as the World Looks Away
2 years, 8 months ago

China Spreads its Tentacles in Australia's Backyard as the World Looks Away

News 18  

China, Australia, and the Solomon Islands have witnessed extraordinary tensions over the Solomon Islands-China security treaty in recent months, provoking fears of a growing Chinese military presence in the region. While Prime Minister Sogavare has reiterated that the underlying reason for the treaty is his nation’s sovereignty, former Prime Minister Hon Rick Houenipwela has accused that the security treaty with …

China's security alliance with the Solomon Islands raises alarm throughout South Pacific
2 years, 8 months ago

China's security alliance with the Solomon Islands raises alarm throughout South Pacific

Firstpost  

A Chinese military presence in the Solomons would put it not only on the doorstep of Australia and New Zealand but also in close proximity to Guam, with its massive US military bases Wellington, New Zealand: A security alliance between China and the Solomon Islands has sent shudders throughout the South Pacific, with many worried it could set off a …

In Solomon Islands, Australia’s largesse faces China challenge
2 years, 8 months ago

In Solomon Islands, Australia’s largesse faces China challenge

Al Jazeera  

Canberra is facing questions about the limits of its economic diplomacy as Pacific neighbour boosts ties with Beijing. When the Solomon Islands, an impoverished nation located 2,000 kilometres east of Australia, announced the drafting of a new security deal with China late last month, Australian officials warned the move could undermine security in the South Pacific and manifest Canberra’s long-held …

Document indicates China could boost military in Solomons
2 years, 8 months ago

Document indicates China could boost military in Solomons

The Hindu  

A leaked document indicates that China could boost its military presence in the Solomon Islands — including with ship visits — in a development that is raising alarm in nearby Australia and beyond. Under the terms of the draft agreement, China could send police, military personnel and other armed forces to the Solomons “to assist in maintaining social order” and …

Chinese police begin work in Solomon Islands to maintain law and order, as Australian officials watch closely
2 years, 10 months ago

Chinese police begin work in Solomon Islands to maintain law and order, as Australian officials watch closely

ABC  

A team of Chinese police officers has begun work in Solomon Islands, two months after the tiny Pacific nation accepted Beijing's offer to help restore law and order following recent anti-government demonstrations. Key points: About nine Chinese officers will train local police to improve their "anti-riot capabilities" The group was released from quarantine in the Solomon Islands earlier this week …

US aims to counter China by opening Solomon Islands embassy
2 years, 10 months ago

US aims to counter China by opening Solomon Islands embassy

Associated Press  

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — The U.S. says it will open an embassy in the Solomon Islands, laying out in unusually blunt terms a plan to increase its influence in the South Pacific nation before China becomes “strongly embedded.” The reasoning was explained in a State Department notification to Congress that was obtained by The Associated Press. The State Department said …

U.S. aims to counter China by opening Solomon Islands embassy
2 years, 10 months ago

U.S. aims to counter China by opening Solomon Islands embassy

The Hindu  

The U.S. says it will open an embassy in the Solomon Islands, laying out in unusually blunt terms a plan to increase its influence in the South Pacific nation before China becomes “strongly embedded.” The reasoning was explained in a State Department notification to Congress that was obtained by The Associated Press. The State Department said Solomon Islanders cherished their …

The US will increase its presence in the Pacific by opening an embassy in Solomon Islands
2 years, 10 months ago

The US will increase its presence in the Pacific by opening an embassy in Solomon Islands

ABC  

The US says it will open an embassy in Solomon Islands, laying out in unusually blunt terms a plan to increase its influence in the South Pacific nation before China becomes "strongly embedded". Key points: The US had operated an embassy in Solomon Islands for five years but it was closed in 1993 The embassy is set to be located …

US to reopen Solomon Islands embassy amid moves to counter China
2 years, 10 months ago

US to reopen Solomon Islands embassy amid moves to counter China

Al Jazeera  

Washington promises more diplomatic and security resources to the South Pacific region as China’s influence grows. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has confirmed the United States plans to open an embassy in the South Pacific nation of Solomon Islands in an effort to counter China’s influence in the politically troubled Pacific Islands. In a notification to Congress, the State …

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