U.S. expanding a program to help South Pacific nations improve intelligence gathering

The U.S. is expanding a program to help South Pacific nations improve intelligence gathering as China has increased its influence among small island countries

Bloomberg reports that U.S. Indo‑Pacific Command told a security forum in Singapore that concerns are rising that Beijing’s leaders are seeking to win through coercion the allegiance of islands typically aligned with the U.S.

The South Pacific played a key role in World War II and remains strategically important as Western powers seek to maintain open sea lines and stability.

China has stepped up state‑directed economic investment into the Pacific islands region which includes Fiji.

That has prompted the U.S. and its close ally Australia to step up engagement with those countries.

Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11 and @USSWaspLHD1 conduct flight ops at sea, maintaining that edge of readiness in the @US7thFleet AOR. pic.twitter.com/ob3u3usQra

— U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (@INDOPACOM) June 3, 2019

Davidson said America has expanded its maritime security initiative for the South Pacific.

“This is a proven program to improve patrol craft and increase intelligence gathering, train our partners, and share information to support sovereign enforcement of exclusive economic zones.”

[Source:BBC]

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