The Pacific Islands include over a dozen countries and territories spanning an area four times the size of the continental United States. The Pacific Islands see themselves not as small island countries, but as large ocean states forming a “Blue Pacific Continent.” The United States is increasingly focusing its attention on the region, particularly amid China’s growing engagement and the impacts of climate change. USIP is pursuing a range of projects focused on peace and stability in the Pacific Islands and elevating dialogue with the region.

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The Current Situation in Papua New Guinea

The Current Situation in Papua New Guinea

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

As the United States reengages in the Pacific Islands, Papua New Guinea is emerging as an increasingly important U.S. partner. It is the region’s largest country, with a landmass about the size of California and a population estimated to be somewhere between 10 and 17 million. In April 2022, Papua New Guinea was designated as one of the focus countries under the U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability (SPCPS). In May 2023, the United States and Papua New Guinea signed a Defense Cooperation Agreement.

Type: Fact Sheet

How the U.S. Can Strengthen Its Pacific Engagement

How the U.S. Can Strengthen Its Pacific Engagement

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Much like his predecessor, President Biden’s administration heightened U.S. focus on the Pacific Islands as part of his Pacific Partnership Strategy. President Trump was the first U.S. president to host the leaders of the Freely Associated States — the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia and Palau — in the White House before President Biden hosted Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders in 2022 and 2023. As the Trump administration prepares to take office, it will discover new challenges and opportunities as a result of actions taken over the last four years.

Type: Analysis

After Taiwan’s Pacific Diplomacy, China Steps Up Military Pressure

After Taiwan’s Pacific Diplomacy, China Steps Up Military Pressure

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

In early December, Taiwan President William Lai Ching-te embarked on his first foreign travel, visiting three Pacific Island nations with stopovers in Hawaii and Guam. Upon his return, China deployed a show of military force to send a clear message that Beijing is intent on ratcheting up its coercion in the region and further squeezing Taiwan’s international space.

Type: Question and Answer

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