Pacific Ocean

How the UK Is Undermining US Indo-Pacific Security

As Parliament reviews the transfer of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, US access to the Diego Garcia base is no longer assured.

Trump Signs Executive Order Designating Fentanyl a Weapon of Mass Destruction 

Executive Order To Designate Deadly Opioid as WMD: President Donald Trump signed an executive order on December 15 to designate the drug fentanyl and “its core precursor chemicals”...

Exposed: Qatar’s Circle of Terrorist Friends

In recent comments to CNN, Qatar’s prime minister reflected on his country’s unique ability to “convene between conflicted parties and understand the grievances.” ...

Indian Re-emergence and the Foreign Policy Boom

Look into India’s eyes today and you’ll see it—quiet, youthful confidence reshaping the nation and its place in the world.

SOS — Save Our Shipping: Trump must break China’s chokehold on global trade

A high-stakes deal that would give an American company a major role in running dozens of strategically crucial global ports is now in limbo — as China aggressively demands a stake. The United...

Urgent Need for New Approaches to Keep the Pacific Free

Excerpt The PRC has well-advanced plans for establishing influence that leads to control across much of the Pacific—plans that are essential if it is to achieve its other stated goals, such as taking...

At Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, China-Pacific Islands Relations Steam Ahead

While not groundbreaking, the meeting indicated steady progress towards China’s goal of a “shared future” with Pacific Island countries – including using them as strategic outposts.

FSM breaks ground on China-led airport reconstruction project in Woleai

Federated States of Micronesia President Wesley Simina officiated the May 26 groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction of the Woleai airport runway. ...

Crossroads of Competition

China in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands

Examining the Office of Insular Affairs’ Role in Fostering Prosperity in the Pacific Territories and Addressing External Threats to Peace and Security

China roils the Pacific waters courtesy Australia and New Zealand

China’s role in the region is a constant pressure in one direction. New Zealand and Australian policies towards the region have been naive at best, and the situation was worsened by U.S. State Department following Canberra and Wellington’s lead.

Deconstructing the Inauguration: No, not that one

We have a country that is geopolitically sophisticated, with close ties to the U.S., Japan and Taiwan, and is in a highly strategic location. So who showed up to Palau’s party, and who didn’t?

Unconstrained Actors

Assessing Global Cyber Threats to the Homeland

Australia vies with China to turn the Solomons into a police state

In October 2024, Suidani and Talifilu were arrested by Solomon Islands police under unusual circumstances. On December 19th, Australia announced it was giving Solomons AUS$190 million ‘to grow the size and capability of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), in response to a request by Solomon Islands’.

Palau is under attack from PRC

There is a spike in activity now because China sees Palau’s 5 November election as an opportunity to put in place representatives that are more in line with its ambitions.

Daniel Suidani’s arrest in the Solomons proves CCP is scared

At the start of this month, both Suidani and Talifilu were arrested on three counts of unlawful assembly related to the failed no confidence vote of 2021.

Russian and Chinese Strategic Bombers Patrol near Alaska

Russian and Chinese strategic bombers conducted a combined patrol near Alaska on Wednesday in the latest sign of military cooperation between the two U.S. adversaries. The incident underscores the determination...

Island-Hopping with Chinese Characteristics—What the PRC Is Doing in the Pacific Islands, Why It Matters, and Why the Time Has Come to “Block and Build”

As James Lilley, former U.S. ambassador to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), often said, China has a habit of telegraphing its punches...

China watches as the U.S. fumbles around in central Pacific

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PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election

PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans.