The United States announced more than $150 million in new funding for Pacific island nations at an annual summit in Palau on Sept. 1, as Washington seeks to deepen economic and security partnerships across the region.
The U.S. funding was announced by Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau at this year’s Pacific Islands Forum, a regional bloc of 18 members that includes Australia and New Zealand.
The announcement comes as China’s influence in the region has grown in recent years through donations, grants and infrastructure projects.
The $150 million includes $60 million to help Pacific countries address the global energy crisis by expanding fuel storage capacity and strengthening grid stability. …