Beijing and Washington are battling for influence in the strategically important Pacific region<\/p>\n
Located between the US, China and Australia, the Pacific island countries hold strategic importance for security and defence. The US has long maintained influence and a military presence in the Pacific region. Over the last decade, China has focused on strengthening its ties in Pacific through increased aid<\/a>, development, diplomacy<\/a> and security cooperation.<\/p>\n In 2022, Solomon Islands signed a security pact with China<\/a>, sparking international concern over the possibility of Beijing building its first military base in the region. At the same time, the US ramped up its Pacific diplomacy, hosting a landmark Pacific leaders summit<\/a> and whirlwind tours by senior officials, including vice-president Kamala Harris<\/a>, and pledged more aid<\/a>. In February the US reopened an embassy in Solomons Islands<\/a> after a 30 year absence. Australia, which had been accused of neglecting its own relationship with Pacific countries, has also conducted a diplomatic push<\/a> amid fears of Chinese influence growing in the region.<\/p>\n