‘Already at war’: Palau’s president brings China-US competition for Pacific Islands to forefront
Separately, Papua New Guinea and Australia are set to sign a new security agreement.
President Trump should base a new anti-terrorism team for the Pacific in American Samoa
In this op-ed, Rep. Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen and Michael Walsh call for adding a second FAST unit in the Pacific to bolster US security.
Modernizing defense enterprise IT without disrupting the mission
Government can’t stop to update systems, so modernization has to happen without interruptions.
US Heritage Foundation offers Pacific Islands’ blueprint for Trump
"The Pacific Islands occupy a pivotal location that is important to U.S. efforts to protect Americans and deny China’s regional hegemonic ambitions," Andrew Harding, the report's author says.
‘Technocrat’ Manele takes reins as Solomon Islands PM, China tilt remains
Still, Jeremiah Manele signaled he may take a more balanced approach to the East-West power struggle, recently saying it's “important to treat every and all of our partners as equals."
China’s ‘dangerous actions,’ and regional chess moves: The Pacific in 2023
Months of Chinese harassment of Philippine vessels culminated in early December with up to 135 Chinese ships swarming the Philippines around Scarborough Shoal.
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.
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Answering the demand signal to move faster, field sooner, iterate continuously
As threats rapidly evolve, digital engineering, manufacturing capacity and robust supply chains are critical to meeting challenges.
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
"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.
First ever visit to Papua New Guinea by a US SecDef announced, as Pacific Islands import grows
The announcement of Austin's visit to Papua New Guinea came in the wake of more signs that that neighboring Solomon Islands continues to move towards China as its key partner.
US, Papua New Guinea boost defense ties in wake of Solomon Islands deal with China
A Coast Guard spokeswoman noted that being turned away from the Solomons "allowed for increased partnership with Papua New Guinea, supporting strategic objectives and strengthening regional relationships."
Breaking Defense announces Breaking Defense Europe, a new, distinct, European edition
Breaking Defense Europe will launch May 4 with Tim Martin and Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo as co-editors.
Threats and responses defined the Pacific: 2022 in Review
While China has rapidly built a much more modern military in a remarkably short time, it also faces enormous economic, demographic and national security challenges that aren't always as apparent in Washington.
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.”
Solomons slap ‘moratorium’ on naval vessel visits; PM says USCG ship was OKd for entry, but…
Prime Minister Sogavare's government claims that the "Solomon Islands have had unfortunate experiences of foreign naval vessels entering the country’s waters during the course of the year without diplomatic clearance granted, hence would like to avoid such incidents from reoccurring."
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.