The United States has opened an embassy in Vanuatu this week, intensifying its diplomatic efforts in the Asia-Pacific region amid competition with China. “The opening of the embassy builds upon our efforts to provide more diplomatic presence throughout the region and to engage further with our Pacific neighbors,” the U.S. Department of State said in a statement for the launch.
This move follows the establishment of U.S. embassies in the Solomon Islands and Tonga, with plans for a future mission in Kiribati pending parliamentary approval.
Washington’s increased presence aims to counter China’s influence, highlighted by Chinese security forces’ involvement in Kiribati and the Solomon Islands, and concerns over Chinese workers in Vanuatu.
