Region: China leverages on USAID cuts win influence in the Pacific
On 13 March, the Chinese Ambassador to Fiji, Zhou Jian, publicly reaffirmed China’s support to development in Fiji and other Pacific island countries. During the statement Zhou announced the introduction of a “new model of international relations based on a win-win cooperation” and the establishment of direct flights between Fiji and China. Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica welcomed China’s assistance, and hinted at the arrival of Chinese experts to assist the development of a comprehensive poverty reduction plan. Additionally, China carried out several other activities in various Pacific island countries between 13-22 March 2025. These include funding travel for six Fijian Members of Parliament to China, handing over a new National Sports Complex in Tonga, donating about $NZD550,000 worth of uniforms and other items to the Vanuatu Correctional Services, and signing a deep sea mining deal with Kiribati.
Assessment: China’s announcements followed closely after cuts to USAID were announced on 10 March (approximately 5,200 of USAID’s 6,200 global programs have been terminated). While some Chinese aid projects likely predate the US announcement, China is almost certainly taking advantage of an opportunity for a publicity and influence win amongst Pacific audiences. China is very likely to seek additional opportunities to leverage the US vacuum in the near term. Increased Chinese government and business officials in Pacific island countries are likely to be observed, induced by the various initiatives. Over the same period, Fiji announced additional trade deals with India and Papua New Guinea, illustrating no special preference for Chinese partnership.
Sources: Shania Shayal Prasad, “China pledges support,” FBC, March 14, 2025; Shania Shayal Prasad, “China to aid Fiji’s poverty reduction plan,” FBC, March 15, 2025; Shania Shayal Prasad, “Pacific unite to address security challenges,” FBC, March 17, 2025; “China hands over new National Sports Complex,” Talanoa o Tonga, March 14, 2025; Inoke Rabonu, “China Direct Flights, a Game Changer, Says Ambassador,” FijiSun, March 17, 2025; Anish Chand, “Fully funded trip for MPs and Speaker of Parliament to China,” FijiTimes, March 18, 2025; Nicholas Mwai, “China donates VT3 million worth of uniforms to Vanuatu Correctional Services,” Vanuatu Daily Post, March 22, 2025; Stephen Wright, “Kiribati explores deep sea mining deal with China,” RNZ, March 18, 2025; Joseph Gedeon, “Rubio says 83% of USAid programs terminated after six-week purge,” The Guardian, March 10, 2025.
