New data shows US topped China ‘Belt and Road’ spending in Pacific Islands by 2021

New data shows US topped China ‘Belt and Road’ spending in Pacific Islands by 2021
New data shows US topped China ‘Belt and Road’ spending in Pacific Islands by 2021

Beijing and Washington have been in a tug of war over political influence for the 14 Pacific Island nations.

US, Aussies funding Google undersea internet cables for Pacific Islands, with geostrategic implications

US, Aussies funding Google undersea internet cables for Pacific Islands, with geostrategic implications
US, Aussies funding Google undersea internet cables for Pacific Islands, with geostrategic implications

The investment by Australia and the United States into funding the new Google internet cables means the Pacific islands can avoid becoming integral parts of China’s global data collection.

US, Australia should use civil aid, not military, to woo Pacific Island states from China: Wargame

US, Australia should use civil aid, not military, to woo Pacific Island states from China: Wargame
US, Australia should use civil aid, not military, to woo Pacific Island states from China: Wargame

“One of China’s most salient advantages in the competition is its ability to identify and woo both public influencers and elites in [Pacific island] governments, whether via licit or illicit means,” MITRE analysts conclude.

US touts $810M for Pacific islands to help fend off China, some for Solomons

US touts $810M for Pacific islands to help fend off China, some for Solomons
US touts $810M for Pacific islands to help fend off China, some for Solomons

Secretary of State Anthony Blinken made a bold promise to the Pacific island leaders: “You can count on the United States partnering with you.”

With Harris’s surprise talk, US says it’s ‘stepping up’ in Pacific Islands

With Harris’s surprise talk, US says it’s ‘stepping up’ in Pacific Islands
With Harris’s surprise talk, US says it’s ‘stepping up’ in Pacific Islands

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese engaged in a very public and winning hug with Solomon Islands leader Manasseh Sogavere, who repeated his pledge that there would not be any Chinese military bases in his country.

New info on AUKUS sub deal ‘shortly’: NSC’s Kurt Campbell

New info on AUKUS sub deal ‘shortly’: NSC’s Kurt Campbell
New info on AUKUS sub deal ‘shortly’: NSC’s Kurt Campbell

Campbell, the NSC’s coordinator for Indo-Pacific affairs, said the US will launch a new effort next week to help the Pacific islands, including initiatives to build new embassies.