As China expands its military and diplomatic presence in the Pacific, the U.S. faces calls to move beyond episodic engagement to maintain regional influence.
Key facts
- •China launched a submarine-launched ballistic missile in July that landed in the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone.
- •The Solomon Islands signed a secret security agreement with China in April 2022.
- •The U.S. currently has no resident ambassadors in any of the 14 Pacific island countries.
- •Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale visited Washington in July to discuss returning to traditional partnerships.
- •The U.S. announced $6 million in funding for unexploded ordnance removal in the Solomon Islands during Prime Minister Wale’s visit.
The Pacific islands have emerged as a central arena for great-power competition, highlighted by China’s recent submarine-launched ballistic missile test and ongoing efforts to secure regional influence. While the U.S. has increased high-level engagement through summits and security agreements, experts argue that current efforts remain insufficient. Washington faces pressure to develop a more consistent, long-term strategy to counter Beijing’s accelerating footprint and preserve regional equilibrium.
By the numbers
Shifting Regional Dynamics
China’s influence in the region became more apparent in April 2022 following a secret security agreement with the Solomon Islands. This development raised concerns regarding potential military and police presence in the area. In July, China further underscored its reach by launching a submarine-launched ballistic missile from the South China Sea that landed in the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone, an act that drew widespread condemnation from regional leaders.
U.S. Engagement and Policy Challenges
Recent U.S. administrations have sought to deepen ties through the Compacts of Free Association (COFA) and increased development assistance. However, current U.S. policy faces uncertainty due to broader shifts in foreign policy, including the reduction of certain development mechanisms and the use of tariffs. Despite bipartisan support for regional security, the U.S. currently lacks resident ambassadors in any of the 14 Pacific island nations.
Strategic Recommendations
To counter Beijing’s diplomatic and security maneuvers, observers suggest the U.S. must appoint dedicated ambassadors to the region and the Pacific Islands Forum. Additional proposals include expanding U.S. Coast Guard deployments, increasing infrastructure investment in key nations like the Solomon Islands, and collaborating with partners to secure digital infrastructure and combat transnational crime.
Timeline
- April 2022News emerged of a secret security agreement between China and the Solomon Islands.
- JulyChina launched a submarine-launched ballistic missile into the South Pacific.
- JulySolomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale visited Washington.
- Aug. 30 to Sept. 4The annual Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting is scheduled to take place in Palau.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Foreign Policy.
