US Indo-Pacific chief on Solomon Islands mission amid China security concerns
- Kurt Campbell will be one of a number of top US officials visiting the country this week
- Washington is seeking to counter Beijing’s efforts to expand its influence in the region
Campbell and assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs Daniel Kritenbrink will lead a delegation that includes officials from the Department of Defence and US Agency for International Development.
The officials will visit three countries: the Solomon Islands, Fiji and Papua New Guinea, the White House National Security Council.
“The delegation will meet senior government officials to ensure our partnerships deliver prosperity, security, and peace across the Pacific Islands and the Indo-Pacific,” it said without giving dates for the trip.
The team will also stop in Hawaii to “consult with senior military officials and regional partners at United States Indo-Pacific Command”, it said.
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Australian troops and police deployed to Solomon Islands amid general unrest and Chinatown blaze
In February, the United States announced it would open an embassy in the Solomon Islands, part of an effort by the Biden administration to commit more diplomatic and security resources to the Indo-Pacific to counter China’s drive for greater influence.