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The United States continues to expand its diplomatic presence in the Pacific, according to US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell. Speaking at the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting in Nuku’alofa, Campbell said Washington remains attentive to the needs and concerns of Pacific Island nations.
“We’ve made tremendous progress in the Pacific,” Campbell said, highlighting recent U.S. initiatives in areas such as climate change adaptation, illegal fishing, education, technology and connectivity. He announced a $25 million contribution to the Pacific Restoration Fund, which helps Forum members access funding for climate adaptation, disaster preparedness and early disaster response projects.
Campbell said the United States has been listening carefully to the views of Pacific Islands Forum leaders and individual countries, adjusting its contributions based on the specific needs of each country. He called it an “exciting moment” for U.S.-Pacific relations, and the United States seeks to strengthen partnerships with traditional allies such as Australia and New Zealand, as well as new partners such as Japan, South Korea and India.
Since 2021, the United States has stepped up its engagement in the Pacific, hosting two Pacific Islands Forum summits at the White House, opening new embassies in the Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu, and launching the first U.S.-Pacific Partnership Strategy. The United States has also recognized the Cook Islands and Niue as sovereign nations and expanded its diplomatic and aid presence in the region.
Campbell said they were concerned about China’s influence in the Pacific, especially “power projection” and support for undemocratic forces. But he reiterated the US commitment to transparency, human rights and democratic rule, and welcomed any country, including China, that truly sought to improve the living standards and well-being of the people of the Pacific.
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