The Heritage Foundation has released its inaugural Pacific Islands strategy, aiming to advance American interests and counter China's influence in the region. The report, titled "Pacific Pivot: An American Strategy for the Pacific Islands," outlines a comprehensive national strategy for U.S. engagement in the Pacific Islands.
Jeff M. Smith, Director of the Asian Studies Center at Heritage, commented on the release: "For too long, Washington has failed to produce a coherent American strategy for the Pacific Islands. Today marks a turning point."
"This report provides a framework to bolster America’s national security and economic prosperity in an oft-neglected corner of the world with big strategic stakes," Smith added.
Andrew Harding, Research Assistant in the Asian Studies Center and author of the report, noted: "Across multiple decades, the U.S. took for granted, largely disregarded, or even forgot about the Pacific Islands. In the New Cold War between the U.S. and China, such inattention is no longer tolerable."
"Despite being a Pacific state with Pacific borders, America currently lacks the long-term strategic framework necessary to advance America’s interests throughout the region," Harding continued.
"This report provides 30 policy recommendations that advance American interests and objectives in the Pacific Islands while prioritizing engagement with the Pacific Islands in areas of common interest," he said.
"If successfully executed, this national strategy will advance a more secure, prosperous, and free region for both Americans and Pacific Islanders alike," Harding concluded.
Key points from the report include:
- The great power competition between the U.S. and China necessitates elevating the importance of the Pacific Islands in America's strategic priorities.
- The pivotal location of these islands is crucial for U.S. efforts to protect its homeland and deny China's regional hegemonic ambitions.
- A clear explanation is needed on how these islands fit into broader U.S. interests and contribute to America's security and prosperity.
- The Biden-Harris Administration's current strategy does not sufficiently explain how its objectives benefit America and overly focuses on combating climate change effects.
- Policies must be executed across multiple domains including supporting a more permanent presence in these islands and addressing visa loopholes exploited by Chinese nationals.
