U.S. Delegation Strengthens Ties with Papua New Guinea Amid Rising Chinese Influence

A high-level U.S. civilian and military delegation visited Papua New Guinea to emphasize U.S. commitment to the Pacific territory amid rising Chinese influence. The visit aimed at accelerating projects tied to a Defense Cooperation Agreement and included efforts in civil affairs, medical training, and resolving a fuel crisis.

A high-level U.S. civilian and military delegation visited Papua New Guinea this week to reaffirm U.S. commitment to the strategic Pacific territory, emphasizing the urgency as China vies for influence. The White House stated that the visit, spanning from Sunday to Tuesday, aimed at expediting new projects under a Defense Cooperation Agreement signed last year.

The delegation also addressed other initiatives like deploying civil affairs and medical training teams, tackling an ongoing fuel crisis, and supporting the PNG Electrification Project. Key figures in the delegation included Admiral Samuel Paparo, head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Mira Rapp-Hooper, the White House senior director for East Asia, Daniel Kritenbrink, the State Department's top diplomat for the region, and Michael Schiffer, USAID's assistant administrator for Asia.

"The delegation presented several new initiatives addressing Papua New Guinea's pressing development and security needs, advancing this critical Pacific partnership," the statement said. Historically, the U.S. and its ally Australia have considered the Pacific their sphere of influence and are wary of island nations forming security ties with China after Beijing signed a security pact with the Solomon Islands in 2022.

The U.S.-PNG defense pact aims to refurbish PNG ports and airports for military and civilian purposes over 15 years. Some analysts have criticized the slow implementation. Diplomatic efforts also faced setbacks this year when President Joe Biden mentioned that his uncle might have been a victim of cannibals in PNG during World War Two.

The U.S. Coast Guard is set to take a larger role in Pacific maritime security, and Coast Guard officers patrolling PNG waters will have the authority to board foreign vessels suspected of illegal activities. Earlier this year, a senior U.S. official urged PNG to reject China's potential security pact, warning of the associated risks and costs.

The World Bank, with backing from the U.S. and Australia, is readying a financial lifeline for Pacific Island nations. This move comes amid concerns that China might exploit the void left by Western banks exiting the unprofitable market.

(With inputs from agencies.)