Washington – The United States is demonstrating its commitment to Pacific islands through partnerships with allies and the private sector, despite being unable to match China’s growing influence in the region, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Friday.
Speaking at the McCain Institute’s Sedona Forum in Arizona, Blinken addressed growing concerns about China’s presence in the Pacific islands. Just last week, lawmakers in the Solomon Islands chose another prime minister with close ties to Beijing, causing alarm in the United States and Australia.
“China has a significant presence in the Pacific islands, one that may be larger than what we can cover alone,” Blinken acknowledged. “But through working with like-minded countries such as Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, and India, we are able to expand our reach and impact.”
Blinken emphasized the importance of partnerships in achieving mutual goals, stating, “By collaborating with our allies, we are able to deliver the things that the people of the Pacific islands truly want.”
He pointed to the recent announcement of a joint initiative between U.S. President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, which involves Google building trans-Pacific cables to improve internet connectivity in South Pacific countries. This initiative provides an alternative to China’s offers in the region, as Chinese tech companies have been increasingly active in the Pacific.
Blinken stressed the importance of providing countries with a better choice, rather than asking them to make a difficult decision. He noted, “It is often more effective to say, ‘We are not asking you to choose, we want to offer you a better option.'”
The Secretary of State also highlighted the benefits of these partnerships, saying, “Through these collaborative efforts, we are not only delivering on the needs and desires of the people in the Pacific islands, but also promoting stability and prosperity in the region.”
The Biden administration has made it clear that China is the United States’ top long-term rival for global leadership. However, tensions between the two countries have eased in recent months, with Blinken even visiting Beijing for the second time in less than a year.
The United States’ approach to the Pacific islands is in stark contrast to China’s, which often involves offering financial aid and infrastructure projects in exchange for political influence. In contrast, the U.S. and its allies focus on promoting economic growth, democracy, and human rights in the region.
In his speech, Blinken emphasized the importance of these values, stating, “Our partnerships in the Pacific are built on shared values and a common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”
He also highlighted the United States’ commitment to addressing climate change in the Pacific, another area in which China has been actively involved. The U.S. has pledged to provide aid and support to Pacific island nations to help them combat the impacts of climate change and build resilience.
In conclusion, Blinken reaffirmed the United States’ dedication to the Pacific islands and its partnerships with like-minded countries. He stated, “We may not be able to match China’s presence in the Pacific alone, but through our partnerships, we can make a real and positive difference in the lives of the people in the region.”
The Secretary of State’s remarks at the Sedona Forum demonstrate the United States’ determination to counter China’s growing influence in the Pacific and continue promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Through collaboration with allies and a focus on shared values, the U.S. is committed to delivering for the Pacific islands and ensuring their continued prosperity and stability.
