United States reinforces ties with Indo-Pacific allies as tensions rise in Europe

United States Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has wrapped up a week-long visit taking in Fiji, Australia and Hawaii in an attempt to re-engage with its allies and partners in the region.

Blinken touched down in Nadi to a red carpet welcome and ceremonial kava ceremony. The few hours he spent in Nadi was enough for the United States to reinforce its place in the Pacific.

It’s been more than 30 years since a high ranking US official has returned to the region, where China’s growing influence is causing concern for the US.

Blinken's visit took place amid escalating tensions in Europe and fears that Russia might invade neighbouring Ukraine.

A virtual meeting with Pacific leaders at the weekend gave Blinken the opportunity to launch the United States' Indo-Pacific strategy.

Core to the strategy are advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific, forging stronger connections within and beyond the region, promoting broad-based prosperity, helping build resilience and bolstering security.

Blinken says Fiji and all the Pacific region are important to the Indo Pacific strategy.

“The fundamental truth is no region on earth will affect the lives of Americans more than the Indo-Pacific which accounts for 60% of the global economy and two-thirds of all economic growth over the last five years.

“Every defining issue of the 21st century runs through this region - climate crisis, global health and the future of technology.

“Whether nations will be free to chart their own path or be subject to coercion by more powerful nations - our strategy is built on collaboration.

“We want to develop sustained, innovative, mutually reinforcing partnerships across the Indo-Pacific with our allies, our partners, with regional institutions like ASEAN, APEC which the United States will host next year, the Pacific Islands Forum which Fiji is chairing this year.

“I reinforce my country’s commitment to the region and PIF’s critical role in driving regional action. We welcome the decision of the Micronesian states to pause their withdrawal from PIFS to allow for continued discussions."

Establishing a US embassy in Honiara is another calculated move to counter China’s growing influence in the region.

Solomon Islands Member of Parliament Peter Kenilorea Jr welcomes plans by the United States to re-open its embassy in his country. The US previously operated an embassy in the Solomons for five years before closing it in 1993.

Victoria University political scientist Dr Iati Iati says while climate change, adaptation and climate finance are significant issues for the Pacific, the primary focal points for the major powers are strategic and security.

Iati says the big powers especially the western powers would like to see Pacific nations on board to hedge off the increasing power of China.

“China is a big player in this region and they’re not going anywhere and the best that the United States can do is manage those relations so that the US and its Five Eyes partners do not lose more ground."

Blinken told Pacific leaders the US would provide continuing support in its Covid-19 response and humanitarian assistance following the earthquake and tsunami in Tonga.

Part of its $3.37 million response to Tonga included the restoration of communication networks and monitoring of volcanic activity.

Blinken also acknowledged Fiji's 46 year history in military peacekeeping and its role in helping the recovery effort in Tonga and the Solomon Islands after last year's riots in Honiara.