COUNTERING CHINA’S INROADS INTO THE PACIFIC ISLANDS - The Pacific Islands represent indispensable defense and security interests for the United States. A contiguous non-hostile ocean, from the continental United States to Japan, the Philippines, and Australia, is essential to the security of the United States and its capacity to support the defense of its treaty allies.

In recent years, China has made determined inroads into the Pacific Islands region with an aim to reshape political, economic, and strategic alignments. In 2019, the Solomon Islands and Kiribati switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China. In 2022, the Solomon Islands signed a security agreement with China. China’s tactics of offering policing services has raised concern among the US and its allies and partners. Additionally, China is persistently wooing the islands with increased investment and participation in infrastructure and tourism.

China’s aggressive maneuvers in the region have persuaded the US and its allies to reinvigorate their own individual and collective engagements with the region.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 09/06/2024