Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata says the political tide may be turning against China and its malign influence in the Pacific region. KHJ News Washington DC correspondent Matt Kaye reports…
It’s been a whirlwind August for Congresswoman Amata on two CODELs visiting South Korea, Vietnam, and Cambodia first, and then Australia, the Solomons, Papua New Guinea and now, Guam.
In Guam, Uifa’atali Amata was to take part in an historic Natural Resources hearing on the role of the US territories and FAS in countering China’s malign influence in the region.
The Congresswoman chaired the first hearing in June of Natural Resources’ newly formed Indo-Pacific Task Force—
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…stressing the need to counter China’s coercive ‘Belt and Road’ investments in the islands with “fair, just and reasonable” funding for the Compacts of Free Association…
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Uifa’atali says the US and key allies are showing their commitment to the Pacific region—and it’s bearing fruit.
Fiji’s new president recently announced he was reconsidering and maybe breaking off a security pact with China, while finalizing a defense deal with New Zealand.
The Congresswoman says Fijians are realizing “the future they want lies in their long-term friendships with historic partners,” but others like the Solomons she just visited, haven’t turned the corner yet.
Still, there’s hope—Former FSM President David Panuelo warned FSM, Solomons and other Pacific Island leaders against China’s political warfare, possibly swaying some last year not to sign trade and security deals with Beijing.
Uifa’atali Amata says it’s her view Panuelo’s efforts are having a “historic role in helping open people’s eyes worldwide.”
