July 12, 2022, 8:52 PM
July 12, 2022, 8:52 PM
The United States launched an offensive in the Pacific on Wednesday to seek to stem China’s advance in the region, and Vice President Kamala Harris announced $600 million in funding during a regional summit.
Harris also revealed that the United States will open two new embassies, in Tonga and Kiribati, in a speech to the Pacific Islands Forum in Fiji.
Washington will also appoint its first envoy to the Pacific and launch a national strategy for the region.
the rivalry The United States-China heightened interest in this year’s forum, which brings together leaders from across the Pacific.
This is the first meeting of regional leaders since the Solomon Islands signed a controversial security pact with China months ago.
Harris’ speech via videoconference was a diplomatic blow to Washington, as Beijing was not invited to make such a presentation.
The vice president thanked Fijian President Voreqe Bainimarama for inviting her to the summit, saying the United States is ready to “start a new chapter” in the Pacific.
Harris indicated that she and President Joe Biden acknowledge that the Pacific has not received enough attention in the past.
“We are going to change that,” he promised, adding that the United States wants “significantly deepen” its “presence” in the region.
He indicated that the United States wants to collaborate on maritime security, disaster relief and infrastructure projects that “do not generate insurmountable debt.”
“We are very happy that the United States will open an embassy in Tonga, it will be the first time,” the country’s prime minister, Siaosi Sovaleni, told AFP.
“This is a huge milestone. We are very happy to finally have an American presence in Tonga,” he added.
