Heritage Foundation Advocates for Continued U.S. Engagement in the Pacific Against Chinese Influence

The Heritage Foundation’s report stresses the importance of U.S. engagement in Pacific Island nations to counter Chinese influence, suggesting bipartisan support for increased assistance and strategic investment in the region. The report emphasizes broader geopolitical implications while recognizing additional challenges faced by the islands.

The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, has recently released a report emphasizing the necessity for continued United States engagement with Pacific Island nations, regardless of the political party in power following the upcoming presidential election. The report highlights the strategic importance of these islands, positioned between Hawaii and Australia, in the context of the ongoing rivalry between Washington and Beijing. Andrew Harding, a research assistant at the Heritage Foundation’s Asian Studies Center, articulates that investing in these nations is essential to counteract Chinese influence, which he asserts poses a threat to U.S. national security and complicates prospective military operations in Asia. Several prominent figures within the Republican Party have expressed support for this viewpoint, noting the strategic significance of the Pacific Islands in balancing power against China. For instance, Alexander Velez-Green, who previously served as national security adviser to Senator Josh Hawley, characterized the report as presenting “a compelling vision” for America’s strategic interests in the region. Additionally, Alexander Gray, a former Asia adviser in the Trump administration, indicated that this report would be beneficial for any presidential administration commencing in January 2025, suggesting that a potential return of Donald Trump to the presidency would only bolster these efforts. Despite this consensus on the geopolitical aspects, some experts argue that the report overlooks other critical issues facing the Pacific Islands, such as climate change and local governance challenges. John Hennessey-Niland, who served as U.S. ambassador to Palau, cautioned that while concerns over Chinese interference are valid, they should not overshadow other pressing regional challenges. Kathryn Paik, another expert who previously held a directorial role at the National Security Council, further emphasized that framing U.S. engagement solely around China risks neglecting the deeper historical, cultural, and value-based ties between the U.S. and the Pacific Islands. Harding reiterated that U.S.-China competition remains the foremost impetus for America’s engagement in the region. He pointed to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s diplomatic overtures, including bilateral meetings with leaders from Fiji and Papua New Guinea, contrasting them with the Biden administration’s more limited engagements. While the Heritage report proposes 31 policy recommendations, including the appointment of a special envoy for the Pacific Islands, analysts recognize the challenge of securing bipartisan support in Congress for increased foreign assistance to the region. Greg Brown of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute remarked on the necessity of a high-profile special envoy, capable of influencing policy and ensuring sustained U.S. engagement in this strategically vital area.

The Pacific Islands have become an area of heightened competition between the United States and China. As geopolitical tensions rise, these islands serve as critical strategic points for both nations. The Heritage Foundation’s report argues that continued U.S. investment and engagement in the region are essential to counter China’s growing influence, which not only poses risks to U.S. national security but also exacerbates local challenges like climate change and governance. By advocating for a deeper relationship with Pacific nations, the report seeks to revive bipartisan support for U.S. foreign policy in this crucial area of the world.

In summary, the Heritage Foundation’s report underscores the necessity of sustaining U.S. diplomatic and strategic engagement with Pacific Island nations to counter Chinese influence. While there is bipartisan acknowledgment of the importance of these regions, experts caution that a comprehensive approach must address not only the geopolitical rivalry but also other critical issues affecting the islands. The report calls for specific actions, including the appointment of a special envoy, aimed at enhancing U.S. presence and influence in the Pacific amidst increasing competition with China.

Original Source: www.voanews.com