Biden envoy heads to Marshall Islands in wake of China’s Pacific push
- Joseph Yun will lead a delegation next week amid growing US concerns about Beijing’s efforts to expand its influence in the region
- The visit marks the first in-person talks on Washington’s agreement with the republic since 2020
The State Department said Yun would hold talks on the Compact of Free Association (COFA) that governs US economic help for the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), which expires next year.
The US has similar agreements with the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and Palau, which expire in 2023 and 2024, respectively, and Yun is also responsible for those negotiations.
“We welcome the opportunity for in-person meetings with the RMI negotiating team and look forward to productive talks,” the State Department said.
The Pacific islands have emerged as a key front in Washington’s strategic competition with China, which has stepped up diplomatic efforts to woo countries in the region.
Biden and New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern aired shared concerns last week about China’s bid to expand its influence in the Pacific and a senior US official said they discussed the need for in-person engagement with Pacific island leaders.