[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] "Global security, including that of the United States, depends on you." U.S. President Joe Biden, amid escalating hegemonic tensions with China, held a summit with Pacific island nations for the first time in history and unveiled the 'Pacific Strategy.'
By presenting a package including approximately $800 million in economic support, the U.S. appears to have begun strategic management of this region, which has shown close ties with China in recent years. This move is also seen as a precautionary step in anticipation of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s third term.
According to the White House, President Biden attended the Pacific Island Nations Summit held at the White House on the 29th (local time) and stated, "We are holding this historic meeting today to effectively coordinate alliance cooperation," adding, "The Pacific Strategy launched today will be a core element of the Indo-Pacific Strategy."
The Pacific Strategy revealed that day focuses on strengthening diplomatic and security relations with island nations, along with providing economic support worth $810 million (approximately 1.16 trillion KRW). It recognizes the Cook Islands and Niue, previously considered self-governing territories of New Zealand, as sovereign states and expands U.S. embassies in the Pacific region from six to nine. Additionally, negotiations to renew the Compact of Free Association (CFA) with the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau will be completed within the year.
Through this, the Biden administration aims to achieve ▲ strengthening U.S.-Pacific Island nations relations ▲ enhancing Pacific Island nations’ relations with the international community ▲ building capacity to address 21st-century challenges such as the climate crisis ▲ expanding island nations’ autonomy and prosperity.
In particular, President Biden said, "The security of the Pacific and Pacific Island nations today is extremely critical," and frankly added, "The security of the world, including the United States, depends on you." This acknowledges that the Pacific Strategy is a direct move to counter China.
Until now, the U.S. had relatively little interest in Pacific island nations from a diplomatic and security perspective. However, as U.S.-China tensions over the Indo-Pacific strategic region have intensified in recent years and China has moved closer to countries in this region, the U.S. is interpreted to have responded with diplomatic and economic measures. Local media also unanimously reported this as a move to counter China.
However, Politico reported that the Marshall Islands and Solomon Islands have openly opposed President Biden’s efforts to strengthen U.S. influence in the region. The Solomon Islands previously signed a security agreement with China. Even before this meeting, they conveyed messages closer to China’s position to the Pacific island nations.
Politico conveyed the atmosphere of the Pacific Island Nations Summit through an article titled "The U.S. and Europe Preparing for Xi Jinping’s Third Term Challenge." It also emphasized the need for the U.S. to strengthen relations with global allies, including Europe, in preparation for the third term era. It pointed out that China currently has more diplomats and consulates worldwide than the U.S.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to smoothly secure a third term at the Party Congress in October. There is also speculation that a U.S.-China summit may take place at the G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia, in November. Earlier, President Biden stated that if President Xi attends, "we will see each other."
Meanwhile, the U.S. imposed sanctions on Chinese companies involved in Iranian petroleum exports on the same day. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement, "The State Department is imposing sanctions on two Chinese companies operating Iranian crude oil storage facilities."
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