United States

Samoa

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Federated States of Micronesia

Fiji

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Environment, Science & Technology

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Science & Technology

The United States is backing the construction of the Central Pacific Cable, a planned undersea internet cable covering thousands of miles that will link U.S. territories American Samoa and Guam before extending to 10 Pacific Island countries and territories, Reuters reported on Sept. 27.

U.S., Pacific Islands: Washington Backs New Undersea Cable Network in Pacific

Solomon Islands

Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa said the Pacific Islands should look inward for security agreements instead of solely relying on external powers at the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum, The Straits Times reported June 17.

Pacific Islands: Region Pushes Against Great Power Competition, Focuses on Climate Change

uilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi -- who has refused to cede office to Fiame Naomi Mataafa, elected as prime minister of Samoa in April -- has pledged to follow through on a $100 million port project at Vaiusu with Chinese backing, Reuters reported June 9.

Samoa: Malielegaoi Pledges to Follow Through on China-Backed Port Project

Assessments

Australia

New Zealand

Palau

Tonga

Vanuatu

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marapeand, the Cook Islands' Prime Minister Mark Brown, U.S. President Joe Biden and Kiribati's President Taneti Maamau at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) as part of the U.S.-PIF summit at the White House on Sept. 25, 2023, in Washington, D.C.

Economics

Military & Security

U.S.-China Relations

Despite Washington's desire to strengthen ties with Pacific island nations, political constraints may leave a regional void that China is happy to fill.

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

Media

Graphics

A P-3K2 Orion aircraft flying over Tonga's Nomuka island shows heavy ash fall from the recent volcanic eruption within the Tongan Islands on Jan. 17. 

Samoa's critique of the Solomon Islands' recent security agreement with China signals a regional desire to rely more on other Pacific Island nations instead of external powers.

Pacific Islands Push Against Great Power Competition

As U.S. focus turns away from the Pacific islands, other powers are starting to pay attention.

Tracking U.S. Naval Power

The U.S. and the Balance of Power

Asia-Pacific: Among Great Powers

Countries like the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau enjoy a close treaty relationship with the United States, but the strategically located states are now on China's radar too.

China Sets a Course for the U.S.'s Pacific Domain

SITUATION REPORTS

U.S., Pacific Islands: Washington Backs New Undersea Cable Network in Pacific

Pacific Islands: Region Pushes Against Great Power Competition, Focuses on Climate Change

Samoa: Malielegaoi Pledges to Follow Through on China-Backed Port Project

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