U.S. Strengthens Pacific Presence with New Embassy in Vanuatu

The United States has opened an embassy in Vanuatu, enhancing its diplomatic footprint in the Pacific. This move is part of a broader strategy to counter China's growing influence in the region. Similar embassies have been established in Solomon Islands and Tonga, with plans for another in Kiribati pending approval.

The United States inaugurated an embassy in the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu on Thursday, marking a significant step in its ongoing rivalry with China for influence in the Asia Pacific.

'The opening of the embassy builds upon our efforts to provide more diplomatic presence throughout the region and to engage further with our Pacific neighbors,' the U.S. Department of State said in a statement.

The United States earlier established embassies in Solomon Islands and Tonga, with plans for another in Kiribati pending parliamentary approval, according to a U.S. State Department official. The move aims to bolster U.S. diplomatic presence in the Pacific amid concerns over China's growing influence.

(With inputs from agencies.)