Pacific island nations have seen American pledges and attention come and go with geopolitical winds. Recent U.S. pullbacks are met with disappointment but not surprise.
Rising waters during a heavy storm and high tide on Fanalei Island, in the Solomon Islands, in January. With each tide creeping higher, villagers fear their island may soon become uninhabitable.
All around Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands and host of a regional summit, are not-so-subtle hints of donor nations competing for hearts and minds.
Pacific island nations have seen American pledges and attention come and go with geopolitical winds. Recent U.S. pullbacks are met with disappointment but not surprise.
Rising waters during a heavy storm and high tide on Fanalei Island, in the Solomon Islands, in January. With each tide creeping higher, villagers fear their island may soon become uninhabitable.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is trying to deepen ties with China, his country’s biggest trading partner, while being under pressure from the United States.