Rare diplomatic tensions show pressure in the Pacific between the USA and China

Rare diplomatic tensions show pressure in the Pacific between the USA and China

cnn - Pacific allies usually prefer not to discuss their differences in public. But an unusual open argument between New Zealand and Kiribati has drawn attention to the arms and isolated island state and illustrates the existential threat to the climate crisis. This happens against the background of a power struggle between the largest countries in the world around the regional Dominance .

background of the crisis in Kiribati

When the New Zealand government surprisingly announced a review of the help for Kiribati last week - allegedly because of a supposed insult to an upright insult to a high -ranking office - this ensured "serious concern" among the approximately 120,000 people who live in Kiribati, An i-Kiribati Minister.

In 2022, foreign aid made 18% of the national income of Kiribati, according to the Lowy Institute - New Zealand is one of the largest donors. The micronese nation, which consists of 33 coral islands, is distributed over a remote area in the central Pacific, which comprises more than 3.5 million square kilometers-an area larger than India.

Despite its small population, Kiribati has one of the world's largest exclusive economic zone. The relative closeness to Hawaii and the US military base on Guam also gives the country strategic importance, while great powers around Influence in the extensive waters between Asia and America. The diplomatic tensions are again focusing on the competition for influence in the Pacific between China and western nations, mainly the USA.

The diplomatic dispute

The dispute broke out last week through a sudden decision by New Zealand's finance minister Winston Peters, who is also the deputy prime minister. He made help of several million dollars for Kiribati under review after President Toteti Maamau ended a planned meeting. Peters had wanted to send a delegation to Kiribati to hand over a New Zealand -financed hospital conversion worth $ 14 million.

But just a week before the arrival, Kiribati informed the delegation that Maamau was "no longer available" to receive it. Peters' office expressed that the lack of political contacts makes it extremely difficult for them to determine joint priorities for the development program and to ensure that it is well targeted and offers high equivalent. Between 2021 and 2024, New Zealand's help committed to Kiribati at $ 57 million, with investments in health, education, fishing industry, economic development and climate adaptation.

a misunderstanding?

Despite the severe allegations, Kiribati tears the Situation as a misunderstanding. In a statement, the President of the President of Kiribati said that it was "surprised" that there were media reports about Peters' visit, which was "still actively negotiated", based on the understanding that alternative appointments should be searched.

global influences and geopolitical concerns

The dispute could also reflect concerns that western countries have with regard to their weakened interests in the Pacific, since China expands its diplomatic and economic relationships. The Kiribati President said that Kiribati had clearly signaled which partners in the region are preferred: Fiji, Nauru and finally China.

concern of the USA

Under the former President Joe Biden, the US government has increased its rhetoric as well as the defense and security support in the Pacific in order to counteract China's growing influence. Nevertheless, the US aid made only 7% of foreign aid for the region in 2022, which stated that the United States could not make the hoped-for progress.

The climate crisis is one of the largest security concerns in the region, since the Pacific Islands are among the most susceptible to climatic changes, even though they only cause a fraction of global emissions. According to the explanations of Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape, it is "completely irresponsible" to leave the climate agreement, while the world has to take on "responsibility not only for its own countries, but also for the planet"

In the first few days of his term, President Trump signed a number of measures that, among other things, provided for an increased presence of the US Coast Guard in the Pacific. The handling of the Pacific is considered under Trump as both transactionally and security -focused. The dwindling relationships could lead to the Pacific island states forced to choose between China and US help.

However, the island states are "no fools", as Jon Fraenkel from Victoria University of Wellington emphasizes. "Everything that Kiribati is isolating from New Zealand or Australia makes it more likely that they are looking for alternatives," he added.