It was recently announced that the first-ever U.S.-Pacific Island Country Summit was hosted by the US President in Washington, D.C. Notably, this announcement included a commitment of USD 810 million in funding for Pacific Islands. This marks an important shift in geopolitical relations and financial investments in the region.
Key Highlights: US Expansion and Countering China
Part of the United States’ heightened focus on the Pacific Islands is the plan to invest USD 600 million over the next ten years in a scheme to clean and develop dirty waters. This initiative primarily aims to support the tuna industry which not only boosts economic prospects but also contributes to climate aid. Indeed, this move marks a significant increase in the US’ diplomatic presence in the region.
However, another crucial motivation driving this re-engagement with the region is China’s increasingly assertive policy. In recent years, China has been making significant inroads in the strategic yet sparsely populated region through investment, police training, and most controversially, a security pact with the Solomon Islands. The US, therefore, views this engagement as vital to countering China’s growing influence.
Pacific Alliances: A Growing Network
The US administration isn’t acting alone in its focus on the Pacific Islands. Recently, alliances known as Partners in the Blue Pacific have been formed with Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Britain. Furthermore, it has been announced that Canada and Germany will soon join this alliance. Non-member participants in these discussions include France, a potent force in the South Pacific, as well as the European Union, South Korea, and India.
Understanding the Pacific Island Countries
The Pacific Island Countries (PICs) are a group of 14 states located largely in the tropical zone of the Pacific Ocean. This cluster is located between Asia, Australia, and the Americas and includes nations like Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of Marshall Islands, and more.
Despite their small land area, these islands hold significant geopolitical and economic importance. They are divided into three distinct parts based on physical and human geography — Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia, each hosting a number of these island nations. Notably, some countries, like Kiribati and FSM, have Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) larger than India’s, suggesting a vast economic potential due to the wealth of fisheries, energy, minerals, and other marine resources present there.
The Importance of PICs’ Collective Voting Power
The 14 PICs, bound together by shared economic concerns and common security interests, hold substantial voting power in the United Nations. Their collective voting power serves as a potential vote bank for major powers looking to mobilize international opinion. Therefore, strengthening ties with these countries holds not just economic and strategic advantages but also significant political implications at the global level.
