U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will host the Partners in the Blue Pacific (PBP) countries on Thursday with the aim of better coordinating assistance to the region in the face of competition from China, a White House official said.
The group was formed in June and includes the United States, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Campbell said circumstances for the Pacific islands countries were "much more dire" than in the past."Their livelihoods are threatened," he said, pointing to the "existential" threat they face from climate change and the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism revenue and business. Some different countries would be doing more in the Pacific diplomatically "in terms of business prospects and aid and assistance," Campbell added."We've seen in the last several years a more ambitious China that seeks to develop footprints militarily and the like in the Indo Pacific ... that has caused some anxiety with partners like Australia and New Zealand, even countries in the region as a whole.
He said Washington did not want to see the region descend into "zero-sum" competition and he looked forward to conversations with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and his delegation.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
PolitiFact - Before election, Michigan Republicans blast Secretary of State Benson for her oversight of last oneMichigan Republicans have blasted actions Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson took ahead of the 2020 presidential election. Courts upheld her authority to mail absentee ballot applications to every voter in the state.
Read more »
Analysis | What an election denier could do if elected secretary of stateIt’s a crucial job, but not one that many Americans have heard of. Here’s what to know about the races that could have big consequences for how our democracy works.
Read more »
Mailbox: Preview of Ohio State-Arkansas State game was 'arrogant'; plus advice on TV soundIn letters to sports editor Brian White, readers are critical of coverage of Ohio State football, and some offer advice on how to fix your TV sound.
Read more »
Queen Elizabeth II's State Funeral: Britain says farewell to monarch after 70-year reignQueen Elizabeth II's funeral began at 6 a.m. ET at Westminster Abbey following the procession of her coffin from Westminster Hall where she was lying in state. Along with the royal family, world leaders and royals from other counties are expected to attend the funeral honoring her life and 70-year reign.
Read more »