US funding deal is good for the Pacific. But what matters is what happens next | Meg Keen and Mihaly Sola

A The dysfunctional U.S. Congress finally buckled down and approved a $7 billion package for three Pacific nations. US lawmakers delay for monthsThe U.S. Congress late Friday approved a renewal of the Compact of Free Association (Cofa) between the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia and Palau, providing funding for critical services for the next two decades and preserving a special immigration pathway to the United States.

In return, the U.S. military received exclusive access to vast North Pacific territories and unilateral use of strategic military facilities—a good deal for the United States during a period of intense competition.

The deal brought relief to both sides. But the United States still has much work to do in the Pacific if it wants to curb China’s rising influence.

There is a real risk that engagement in the Pacific will ultimately be classified as “too difficult,” and that U.S. lawmakers will once again focus on Taiwan, Ukraine, Gaza, and domestic stressors, leaving just enough energy to implement the Kofa deal and little support for the rest.

Part of the concern is money — other countries in the region are still waiting for Washington to deliver on its $1 billion promise. The two most recent US-Pacific summits. But the United States also needs to demonstrate that it can engage more deeply in the Pacific by building partnerships in the region, serving local communities, and providing opportunities that other countries cannot, especially in areas where Beijing has increased its presence and investment.

China in infrastructureextrusion The United States in regional diplomatic posts and security ties, including through the 2022 China-Solomon Islands Security Agreement, which has caused a stir in the West. Beijing’s efforts to integrate into economic and security systems and gain access to key infrastructure such as ports and airports have worried the West. Australia’s Minister for the Pacific, Pat Conroy, recently said there should be “No role” Prepare for Chinese policing in the Pacific – but China is very active in Pacific policing, as is evident in the Solomon Islands, where it is reported Kiribati.

At the same time, the risk of shocks from destabilizing factors in the Pacific is increasing, including climate change, natural disasters, and electoral meddling. Faced with these risks and escalating geopolitical competition, the Pacific will rely on partners who can provide resources.

The United States has valuable assets to offer beyond money. Market access, services that boost education, health, and infrastructure, and relationships that deepen community ties are just some of them. It promises more. diplomatic corps Serving Pacific nations: The sooner these actions are implemented, the better. Still too little is being done to promote business partnerships and educational opportunities. Finally, America’s legacy in the South Pacific is marked by the horrors of World War II. The United States could do more to clean up the nuclear legacy and World War II explosives that continue to cause loss of life in nations like the Solomon Islands and the Marshall Islands.

Better coordination among Western partners is essential, especially in key areas such as climate adaptation, health, food security and connectivity. Together, they can achieve scale and impact, most notably with the recent collaboration between Australia, the United States and Japan to fund the East Micronesia submarine cable to boost connectivity.

Pacific leaders understand that the United States cannot meet all needs. The true measure of American success lies not in economic strength but in building genuine, lasting relationships, strengthening partnerships, and better meeting the needs of the people of the Pacific.

• Dr Meg Keen is Director of the Lowy Institute’s Pacific Islands Program. She was previously President of the Australian Pacific Security College and Senior Policy Advisor to RAMSI.

• Mihai Sora is a researcher with the Pacific Islands Program and Program Director for the Australia-Papua New Guinea Network.