Link to article: https://apnews.com/article/congress-antony-blinken-solomon-islands-fiji-new-zealand-05f26eab7372605b69cfe9d4411d739a
In order to curb increasing Chinese influence in Asia, the U.S. is committing over 12 million dollars to build an embassy in the Solomon Islands. A US embassy hasn’t been operational in the Solomon Islands since 1993. Three years ago, massive protests were widespread in the nation after the Solomon Islands recognized mainland China over Taiwan. Now, in order to stop Chinese influence in the nation of approximately 700,000, the US is attempting to rekindle strong ties it once had with the islands during the Pacific Theater in WWII. Congressional reports from the US Department of State warn lawmakers that China is aiming to use unpayable loans and infrastructure projects to bring the nation’s allegiance closer to China, similar to what they have done with Sri Lanka, leaving them in tremendous debt. The US state department visited the Solomon Islands while visiting a series of countries in the region, including Japan and North Korea.
The United States is making very beneficial strides towards curbing China’s influence. Although action should have been taken sooner, I am glad the department of state is attempting to stop China from expanding its influence. After seeing China’s incredibly manipulative relations with Sri Lanka, other small Oceanic nations are in danger of similar influence from China. Unfortunately, this could bring negative effects to the Solomon Islands. I worry that the country might become involved in a sort of tug-o-war between China and the US. This is similar to what happened to neutral countries during the Cold War. I believe the US will be willing to spend a great deal of money on this venture. I think it is in the US’ best interest to prioritize the issue. There is a possibility that the Southeast Asian and Oceanic regions can be united under the common goal of combatting the increasing influence of China.
The class has frequently discussed China’s expanding sphere of influence in the past few decades, and how it has utilized loans and infrastructure projects to expand this sphere. Geopolitically, it is important for China to have access to other lands in the region, as the US has started blocking Chinese trade hegemony through alliances with Japan, North Korea, Australia, and increasingly, countries such as Laos. The US and its allies are currently exercising the Sea Power Theory by attempting to put China into “check” through alliances in the sea. The US’ moves can also be tied to Rimland Theory, as it’s attempting to thwart China’s sea trade access.