Strategic Goals and Political Hurdles in the U.S. Play Tug-of-War Over the Pacific Islands

The United States will continue taking steps to expand its economic, political and military influence in the Pacific islands, but delays caused by political deadlock could forestall further gains. The United States and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) concluded their second annual summit in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 25. At the summit, the U.S. government promised development and infrastructure aid packages totaling $200 million in new funds, a relatively large sum even when spread across 18 countries given these states' small economies. Most notably, the package includes $64 million in development aid and $40 million in infrastructure aid. The United States also announced its formal recognition of the Cook Islands and Niue, two small island countries that outsource their defense to New Zealand, as independent nations. According to Washington, its cooperation with countries and territories in Oceania is aimed at addressing climate change, protecting maritime boundaries and marine resources (a...