US, Australia offer $580 million in support for Pacific islands

The United States and Australia on Wednesday announced a combined $580 million in funding for Pacific Island nations, as both countries seek to strengthen their regional influence amid growing competition with China.
According to agency reports, Australia announced a A$600 million ($430 million) package to help Pacific countries combat drug smuggling. The funding will support enhanced aerial surveillance, along with training for police and border officials.“The Pacific is our home and our family,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, stressing the need for regional cooperation to tackle organised crime and the illicit drug trade.
Separately, the US State Department announced $150 million in funding for the region, including $60 million to help Pacific Island countries respond to the global energy crisis. The funding will support expanded fuel storage capacity and efforts to strengthen power-grid stability.US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau announced the funding at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, where Taiwan’s participation has emerged as a major issue.
China, a major donor to Pacific nations, has opposed Taiwan’s participation in the 18-member forum, maintaining that the self-governed island is part of its territory.Australia and New Zealand said on Tuesday that the forum would decide the guest list. Palau, which is hosting the meeting, is among three Pacific nations that maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan.The Pacific Islands Forum meeting, which began on August 30, is scheduled to continue until September 4.