In a strategic move to assert dominance in the South Pacific, U.S. President Joe Biden hosted a second summit with Pacific island leaders in Washington on September 25. The summit aimed to counter the growing partnerships between Pacific nations and the Chinese mainland, signaling a renewed U.S. commitment to the region.
Western media has characterized the summit as a deliberate effort by the United States to curb the expanding influence of the Chinese mainland in an area traditionally seen as its sphere of influence. During the first summit last September, the U.S. unveiled the Declaration on U.S.-Pacific Partnership, promising $810 million in aid, including $130 million dedicated to combating climate change.
Additionally, the Biden administration launched the Partners in the Blue Pacific initiative, purportedly bringing together \"like-minded\" development partners to foster regional growth. However, critics argue that this initiative prioritizes U.S. strategic interests over genuine development needs.
Despite these ambitious plans, tangible progress has been limited over the past year. The promised $810 million in financial assistance remains pending Congressional approval, even after a year since its announcement. Moreover, the newly reopened U.S. embassies in the Solomon Islands and Tonga are operating with minimal staff, raising questions about the administration's commitment.
The Partners in the Blue Pacific initiative has yet to deliver clear funding or innovative strategies, leaving much skepticism about its potential impact. Similarly, the re-negotiated Compacts of Free Association, which involve $7.1 billion in funding, remain stalled in Congress, further highlighting the challenges facing Biden's South Pacific strategy.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
