ອ່ານບົດລາຍງານດ້ານລຸ່ມນີ້ເປັນພາສາອັງກິດ
The Pacific Islands increased their engagement and advocacy on the global stage in 2024 – whether through climate action or by taking advantage of U.S.-China geopolitical competition. The two countries have been vying for influence in the region. VOA’s Jessica Stone reports.
In December, the U.S. military conducted its first successful live intercept of a ballistic missile off the territory of Guam – a test of its capability to defend against long-range missile attacks from Russia…or China.
Amata Radewagen, American Samoa Delegate.
“The U.S. has wisely prioritized first and second island chain counter positioning that included our build-up at Guam and Palau, as well as Space Force downlinks and Army missile programs at Kwajalein enabled under the 2024 COFA renewal treaties.”
The COFA, or Compacts of Free Association, renewal treaties came in March of 2024 – three Pacific Island nations getting $7 billion in economic aid over the next 20 years in exchange for giving the U.S. military special access.
They include Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau – where Surangel Whipps is the president.
Surangel Whipps Jr.; President of Palau, ZOOM.
“We’re looking forward to 20 years of prosperity and a relationship that will continue to grow and ensure a free and open IndoPacific.”
Whipps won re-election in November, promising to maintain the island’s support of U.S. troops …and diplomatic relations with self-ruled Taiwan, which China claims as its own sovereign territory.
In the Solomon Islands, a spring election gave way to a pro-Beijing leader, Jeremiah Manele.
At a Pacific Islands Forum in November, a clash of alliances happened as the Solomon Islands tried unsuccessfully – on behalf of China – to block Taiwan from future participation in the group.
Two months later – the Solomons announced the discovery of the world’s largest coral – a reminder of the region’s most enduring adversary: climate change.
Pacific island youth led an effort at the International Court of Justice to demand a legal ruling on the obligation of nations to fight climate change.
Vishal Prasad, Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change.
"For young people, the demand for reparations is crucial for justice.”
Whether in court or in creative climate finance, Pacific nations are taking ownership of their future. Coral Pasisi runs the Niue Ocean Wide trust – asking individuals to sponsor specific sections of ocean for conservation.
Coral Pasisi, Niue Ocean Wide President.
In one year and we already have around 6.5 million dollars in commitment, which is pretty amazing for a small place.
Small places…. with big issues at stake … increasingly in the international spotlight.
ຟໍຣັມສະແດງຄວາມຄິດເຫັນ