US President Joe Biden hosted a summit with Pacific Island nation leaders at the White House yesterday, marking his second meeting with them in just over a year. The summit was part of Biden’s efforts to counter China’s growing influence in the region, which the US considers strategically important.
Before the summit, Biden announced that the US would diplomatically recognize two additional Pacific islands nations, the Cook Islands and Niue. During the welcoming ceremony, Biden emphasized the US commitment to a free, open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific region.
To further demonstrate this commitment, Biden pledged to work with Congress to provide an additional $200 million in funding for projects in the region. These projects aim to address climate change, stimulate economic growth, combat illegal fishing, and improve public health. The US and Pacific island leaders also agreed to hold another summit in 2025, with political engagements scheduled every two years thereafter.
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, who is also the chair of the island forum, called the summit an opportunity to develop partnerships for prosperity. He urged the US to engage actively in the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting, which he will host in a few weeks to endorse the region’s 2050 Strategy.
Biden’s meeting with the Pacific island leaders comes after his inaugural summit with them a year ago. Unfortunately, their scheduled meeting in Papua New Guinea earlier this year was canceled due to a US debt-ceiling crisis. Last year, Biden’s administration vowed to help Pacific islanders resist China’s economic coercion and expressed a shared vision for a region where democracy can thrive.
Biden’s personal connection to the region, through his uncle who died in World War Two near Papua New Guinea, adds depth to his commitment. He sees the summit as an opportunity to work towards building a better world.
The summit was not attended by Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, who has strengthened ties with China. The US expressed disappointment over his absence and appears to have made no progress in offering substantial infrastructure funding and expanded aid to the Solomon Islands. Similarly, Vanuatu Prime Minister Sato Kilman did not attend, as he was recently elected to replace Ishmael Kalsakau. The US is still negotiating to open an embassy in Vanuatu, which counts China as its largest external creditor.
While the US has increased its engagement with the region since last year’s summit, Congress has yet to approve most of the funding pledges. Pacific island countries welcome the US re-engagement, but are cautious about geopolitical rivalries leading to increased militarization.
Overall, Biden’s summit with Pacific island leaders highlights the US commitment to the region and its desire to counter China’s influence. With diplomatic recognition, increased funding, and ongoing engagement, the US aims to build a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
