The US and Fiji have signed a new defence pact as tensions rise in the Pacific amid concerns about China
4 months ago

The US and Fiji have signed a new defence pact as tensions rise in the Pacific amid concerns about China

ABC  

When Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka opened a joint press conference with Lloyd Austin in a luxury hotel on his country's west coast at the weekend, he couldn't resist making a brief quip about just how extraordinary the US defence secretary's visit was. Mr Austin and Mr Rabuka announced almost $5 million from the US to help support Fiji's military modernisation, and signed a new deal to bolster "bilateral logistics cooperation" — which will make it easier for the US to help Fiji during emergencies by quickly transferring things like fuel and medical supplies. The two men also confirmed the two countries would begin negotiating a "status of forces" agreement, a legal pact that would help set rules and arrangements for US military personnel in Fiji. Anna Powles from Massy University says rising tensions between the US and China in Asia are "driving" increasing US defence engagement across the Pacific. Jennifer Parker says if a full-scale conflict breaks out between the US and China in Asia, then US Pacific territories and bases in Micronesia could quickly become "critical".

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History of this topic

Leaders of Pacific Islands endorse joint policing plan
6 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 …

Pacific Islands leaders endorse regional policing initiative in strategic victory for Australia
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Pacific Islands leaders endorse regional policing initiative in strategic victory for Australia

ABC  

Australia has notched a strategic victory in the Pacific after its peak gathering of leaders endorsed a $400 million major new initiative to reshape policing across the region. The federal government has championed the Pacific Policing Initiative, which will set up a major new police training facility in Brisbane and establish a "Pacific Police Support Group" that could be deployed …

Tropical Tug-of-War: China and the West’s Influence Battle in the Pacific
7 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 …

China, Fiji agree to strengthen cooperation
7 months ago

China, Fiji agree to strengthen cooperation

China Daily  

President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Aug 20, 2024. Noting that Fiji was the first Pacific island nation to establish diplomatic relations with China and that next year will mark the 50th …

A win-win relationship that shows country size, population don't matter
7 months ago

A win-win relationship that shows country size, population don't matter

China Daily  

The talks between Premier Li Qiang and visiting Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on Sunday afternoon and the signing of multiple agreements on bilateral cooperation in fields such as trade and infrastructure construction are expected to raise the partnership between China and the Pacific island country to a new level. Fiji was the first Pacific island country to establish diplomatic …

Solomon Islands’ New Government: A Chance to Reset Australia’s Pacific Diplomacy
8 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 …

Pacific island leaders agree to enhance Japan’s role in the region amid growing China influence
8 months, 1 week ago

Pacific island leaders agree to enhance Japan’s role in the region amid growing China influence

Associated Press  

TOKYO — Leaders of 18 Pacific island nations and areas agreed to an enhanced role of Japan in the region’s development while opposing any attempted coercive activity, in a joint declaration adopted at their summit Thursday, as Tokyo seeks greater engagement to counter China’s influence. The Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting, or PALM, launched under a Japanese initiative in 1997, has …

New Zealand, US Pledge Closer Ties Amid China Tension in Pacific
11 months, 2 weeks ago

New Zealand, US Pledge Closer Ties Amid China Tension in Pacific

Live Mint  

-- New Zealand and the US have pledged to work more closely together on common challenges, in a further sign that Wellington is re-aligning itself with traditional western partners as China becomes more assertive in the Pacific. In a joint declaration signed Thursday in Washington, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken recommitted to …

New Zealand lobbied French on Solomon Islands-China pact, cables show
1 year 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
1 year 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 to open embassies in the Cook Islands, Niue
1 year, 6 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 …

Does the US see Pacific Island countries as "true partners"?
1 year, 6 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 …

Despite Biden’s Absence, US Makes Inroads With Pacific Islands
1 year, 9 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 …

Fiji reconsiders security ties with China amid Pacific tensions
1 year, 9 months ago

Fiji reconsiders security ties with China amid Pacific tensions

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 Fiji's leader indicated Wednesday his …

Why the Pacific islands are key
1 year, 9 months ago

Why the Pacific islands are key

Hindustan Times  

Off the northeastern coast of Australia in the Pacific Ocean is a smattering of islands, which form the frontline in the battle to survive in a warming Earth, and the associated vagaries of rapid sea level rise and rash changes in climate phenomenon. Yet, these small islands — sandwiched between the United States, China and Australia — also serve another …

US signs new security pact with Papua New Guinea amid competition with China
1 year, 10 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, 10 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, 10 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 …

Under New Leadership, What’s Next for Fiji?
2 years, 1 month ago

Under New Leadership, What’s Next for Fiji?

The Diplomat  

New Fijian leader Sitiveni Rabuka proclaimed he was “humbled” as he was confirmed in late December to become the small island nation’s 12th prime minister. Dr. Sanjay Ramesh, a senior fellow in the Department of Social and Political Science at the University of Sydney, told The Diplomat that “poverty amongst Indigenous Fijians is very high, as much as 70 percent …

Australia, PNG inch closer to inking security treaty as defence minister tours the Pacific island nation
2 years, 5 months ago

Australia, PNG inch closer to inking security treaty as defence minister tours the Pacific island nation

ABC  

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles has flagged that he wants to significantly expand defence cooperation across the Pacific, starting with an "ambitious" bid to expand military ties and sign a security treaty with Papua New Guinea. Key points: PNG's Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko expressed interest in a formal treaty with Australia back in August Richard Marles said a treaty would …

‘We have let this drift’: US says further work to do after signing Pacific Islands partnership
2 years, 5 months ago

‘We have let this drift’: US says further work to do after signing Pacific Islands partnership

ABC  

The United States has conceded it let its relationship with Pacific Island nations "drift" before reaching an historic new partnership agreement with the region. Key points: The US secured support for a joint declaration from all Pacific Island leaders attending the meeting The State Department said the summit was part of a broader effort to ramp up engagement with Pacific …

US has agreed Pacific Islands deal, offering ‘big dollar numbers’
2 years, 5 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 …

US to expand diplomatic, defense footprint in the Pacific
2 years, 5 months ago

US to expand diplomatic, defense footprint in the Pacific

Live Mint  

A new U.S. strategy for the Pacific will involve a bigger diplomatic and security footprint, help island nations respond to climate change and focus on economic prosperity, according to a preview released shortly before Pacific leaders planned to meet President Biden in Washington. The two-day meeting, billed by the U.S. as a summit involving leaders and representatives from more than …

China strategy in Pacific islands a cause for US concern: Report
2 years, 6 months ago

China strategy in Pacific islands a cause for US concern: Report

Al Jazeera  

To counter China’s growing influence in the Pacific the US should bolster support for island states, new report states. To counter China’s growing influence in the region, the US should bolster support for island states in the north Pacific where it had the strongest historical ties, the report suggests. “Perhaps to a greater extent than any other geographic area, the …

In Pacific islands, US diplomatic push stirs memories of neglect
2 years, 8 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, 9 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, 9 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 …

Fiji to join Biden’s economic framework aimed at countering China
2 years, 9 months ago

Fiji to join Biden’s economic framework aimed at countering China

Al Jazeera  

Fiji will become the 14th country and first Pacific island nation to join US President Joe Biden’s signature economic framework, the White House announced on Friday, delivering a boost to Washington’s efforts to counter growing Chinese influence in the Asia Pacific. So it is likely that Fiji decided that joining IPEF’s clean pillar might be one way to help address …

Explained | Why has the China-Solomon Islands deal become the latest flashpoint between China and the U.S.?
2 years, 11 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. …

Taiwan urges Australia, US and Japan to unite to push back against China in the Pacific
5 years, 11 months ago

Taiwan urges Australia, US and Japan to unite to push back against China in the Pacific

ABC  

Taiwan's President has urged Australia, the United States and Japan to join with her country in a "values-based partnership" to push back against growing Chinese influence in the Pacific. Key points: Beijing regards Taiwan as a mutinous province and is intent on poaching its Pacific allies President Tsai Ing-wen accused China of undermining "stability and good governance" Pacific nations say …

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