Pacific Islands backed a partnership with the US, but China unlikely to be deterred in push for influence

Summary

Melissa Maykin and Prianka Srinivasan, writing in ABC News, make the following points:

• The US told the Pacific Island States that the US is committed to addressing climate change, advancing economic growth, improving peace and security, and bolstering Pacific regionalism in a $180 million package. 
• Ultimately, the Solomon Islands supported the agreement after references to China were removed.
• Face-to-face meetings focused on what the US needs to do to re-engage with the Pacific—contrasted with previous Chinese approaches.

References

Recent Runway Posts related to this topic:

• Pacific islands a key U.S. military buffer to China's ambitions, report says - The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
• New undersea internet cable for Nauru, Kiribati and the Federated States of Micronesia will be funded by Australia, the US and Japan - The Runway (airforce.gov.au)

References from the Web:

• SEP 2022 White House Unveils Pacific Islands Strategy at Historic Summit-CSIS
• OCT 2022 What Did the US-Pacific Summit Achieve?-the Diplomat
• OCT 2022 Guam to join Pacific Islands Forum-Islands Business

Source Information:   

• Article Source: ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
• Media Check: Media Bias/Fact Check (mediabiasfactcheck.com)/ ABC News
• RAAF RUNWAY: RATIONALE, GUIDELINES, LEARNING OUTCOMES, ETC | The Runway (airforce.gov.au)