The United States is intensifying its efforts to counter China’s growing influence in the Pacific region. In the wake of this, a proposed package of aid and security measures for Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa has been caught in the midst of a congressional battle in Washington. The U.S. administration is advocating for Congress to pass the initiative, stressing it as a “critical component” of overall national security.
The proposed package, officially called the American Security & Investment Act, promises to directly benefit these three strategic Pacific Island nations. It serves multiple purposes — one, to counteract potential Chinese assertiveness, and two, to foster a more significant strategic relationship between the United States and these states.
At a recent State Department event advancing the bill, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission at the embassy in Fiji, Captain Michael Hammer, stated that the United States is dedicated to providing tangible security and economic assistance to the Pacific Islands. “We are committed to a stronger and long-term relationship with these countries,” he said.
The initiative provides a host of benefits, including increased trade opportunities, improved infrastructure, better defense and security capabilities, and grants for various development projects. It also offers the Pacific nations expanded access to U.S. diplomatic representation, resources, and services.
“We are very pleased to begin working with our friends in these three nations to provide tangible security and economic assistance that will benefit our mutual relationship and build up our capacity in the future,” said Secretary Mike Pompeo, speaking to the initiative.
The U.S. military has also ramped up its presence in the Pacific Islands. In his remarks to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Secretary of State Pompeo also noted the 8% increase in U.S. Navy and Marine Corps presence in the South Pacific that was designed to deter potential Chinese aggression.
For their part, the government officials in Fijian, Tongan, and Samoan capitals have welcomed the package. Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi described it as “a breakthrough in the relationship between our countries, and we are committed to working with the United States.”
As for the congressional battle, President Trump recently signed an initial fund Allocation Bill, which includes the Pacific allocation. This was a critical step for the initiative to move forward, as it provided the framework for the specifics of the package to be determined. Still, before negotiations can be cemented, Congress must pass the bill.
Ultimately, the U.S. initiative in the Pacific is a complex issue. Time is of the essence for the act to be passed, and only then will the U.S. lock in an economic and security relationship between it and these three important Pacific nations. It is now up to Congress to recognize the significance of this package and come together to pass the funding.
