One focus will be on climate change collaboration.
On September 28 and 29, President Biden will host a U.S.-Pacific Island Country Summit. The gathering will focus on collaboration on climate change, the pandemic, economic recovery, and advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The White House has invited 12 Pacific island countries, including the Solomon Islands. In April the Solomon Islands made a security pact with China, and last month refused refueling and re-provisioning opportunity for a U.S. Coast Guard cutter.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated, “The summit will demonstrate the United States’ deep and enduring partnership with Pacific Island countries and the Pacific region that is underpinned by shared history, values, and people-to-people ties.”
Tensions in the Indo-Pacific have been high for years, but there is more concern about potential Chinese aggression after the visit to Taiwan by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others. The administration continues to seek to counter Chinese influence in the region by strengthening ties with other nations in the Indo-Pacific.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the president to seek God’s wisdom as he and his staff prepare for the summit.
- For U.S. officials as they interact with foreign leaders and attempt to strength alliances.
Sources: The Hill, Reuters
