Geopolitical Tensions Strain Unity in Pacific Islands

A think-tank warns of geopolitical shocks that could disrupt the Pacific Islands' political landscape amid strategic rivalry between China and U.S. allies. The intense competition is causing Pacific Island nations to leverage the rivalry for development gains but risks overwhelming their bureaucracies and diverting from local priorities.

A think-tank report has cautioned that geopolitical shocks could disrupt the political and security landscape and strain unity in the Pacific Islands region amid strategic rivalry between China and U.S. allies.

The Lowy Institute report highlights the intense competition for influence among global powers in the Pacific. China's outreach, buttressed by U.S. allies like Australia and Japan, has turned Pacific Islands into diplomatic price-setters.

However, the fierce rivalry challenges governance and transparency, risking the overwhelm of small Pacific states' bureaucracies. The report also points out that major countries are leveraging local vulnerabilities, such as climate change, for strategic advantages.

(With inputs from agencies.)