Ben Morgan’s Pacific Update: US Secretary of Defence signals Pacific pivot

US Secretary of Defence, Peter Hegseth emphasized US proposals to end the Ukraine War and increase European defence contributions, hinting at a shift towards prioritizing competition with China in the Pacific. The strained relationship between Cook Islands and New Zealand over a partnership deal with China reflects broader security trends in the South Pacific, involving Sino-American military competition, pressure on local governance, and diplomacy in a post-colonial world. The potential agreement with China could impact regional security by providing access to strategic infrastructure and contributing to Chinese surveillance activities in the Pacific.

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