The U.S. will host a second summit with Pacific island leaders this week, part of a charm offensive to block further Chinese inroads into a strategic region.
President Joe Biden will host a second summit with Pacific island leaders this week, part of a U.S. charm offensive to block further Chinese inroads into a strategic region Washington has long considered its own backyard.
During the three-day meeting, the U.S. will announce diplomatic recognition for two Pacific islands, promise new money for infrastructure, including to improve Internet connectivity via undersea cables, and honor regional leaders at an NFL game. The White House said this year's effort would focus on priorities including climate change, economic growth, sustainable development, public health and countering illegal fishing.
The leaders will also attend Sunday's football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Indianapolis Colts. Dozens of NFL players are of Pacific Islander heritage.Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, who has deepened his country's ties with China, will skip the summit. A senior Biden administration official said the U.S. was "disappointed" by Sogavare's decision.
Meg Keen, director of Pacific Island Programs at Australia's Lowy Institute, said that while the U.S. had opened new embassies and USAID offices in the region since last year's summit, Congress had yet to approve the funds. A senior Biden administration official said the U.S. was on track to open the Vanuatu embassy by early next year and that other Vanuatu officials would attend the summit.
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