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Biden to host White House Pacific Island summit in September, in bid to counter Chinese influence in region
- The decision comes after Washington became more vocal and visible in recent months to bolster alliances in the Pacific against an assertive Beijing
- China’s potential military foothold in South Pacific likely to dominate discussions, after it signed a security pact with Solomon Islands in April
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US President Joe Biden will host Pacific island leaders at the White House in September, a senior American diplomat said on Saturday, deepening a regional charm offensive to counter growing Chinese influence.
Visiting Tonga, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said the leaders would be invited to Washington for a meeting and dinner late in the month.
“This meeting will be a historic opportunity with the United States and Pacific islands countries to hear and listen, the Pacific way,” Sherman said.
The move comes amid a flurry of US shuttle diplomacy looking to bolster alliances in the Pacific against a more assertive Beijing.
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Washington has announced it will open a series of new diplomatic missions in the region, and has been more vocal and visible in recent months.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has visited and Vice-President Kamala Harris recently made a landmark address to the Pacific Islands Forum.
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On Saturday, Sherman will attend a series of events in the neighbouring Solomon Islands, which is marking the 80th anniversary of World War II’s Battle of Guadalcanal.
The Solomon Islands are at the centre of a renewed South Pacific rivalry between Beijing and Washington.
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