U.S. Strengthens Ties with Pacific Nations

Deputy Secretary of State visits Tonga, Fiji, and Samoa to advance economic, security, and connectivity initiatives

Mar. 2, 2026 at 8:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

From February 26 to March 2, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau visited several Pacific Island nations to build on the Trump Administration's "America First" priorities in the region. During the trip, the Deputy Secretary announced new initiatives to increase economic opportunities, improve digital connectivity, combat maritime security threats, and strengthen global health cooperation with Tonga, Fiji, and Samoa.

Why it matters

The U.S. is seeking to deepen its engagement with Pacific Island countries as part of its broader strategy to counter China's growing influence in the region. These new investments and partnerships aim to bolster the U.S. presence and offer an alternative to China's infrastructure and development programs.

The details

Key announcements from the Deputy Secretary's trip include: $2.5 million to combat illegal fishing, $540,000 for maritime surveillance technology in Tonga and Samoa, an arrangement to expand U.S. Coast Guard cooperation with Tonga, $500,000 for Fiji's navy to combat transnational crime, $138,000 in law enforcement equipment for Samoa, an Open Skies agreement with Samoa to boost air travel, cooperation on seabed mineral exploration with Tonga, energy infrastructure support, and $6 million for undersea cable connectivity in Tonga and Samoa.

  • From February 26 to March 2, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau visited Tonga, Fiji, and Samoa.
  • On February 22-24, Deputy Secretary Landau hosted the Pacific Agenda investment summit in Honolulu.

The players

Christopher Landau

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State who led the trip to the Pacific region.

Tonga

One of the Pacific Island nations that the Deputy Secretary visited and announced new initiatives with.

Fiji

One of the Pacific Island nations that the Deputy Secretary visited and announced new initiatives with.

Samoa

One of the Pacific Island nations that the Deputy Secretary visited and announced new initiatives with.

U.S. Coast Guard

The U.S. agency that will expand cooperation with Tonga to combat illegal activities.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Together with senior leaders from each country, the Deputy Secretary announced several new initiatives to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific, create opportunities for U.S. businesses, and deliver results through economic growth for the American taxpayer.”

— Christopher Landau, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State

What’s next

The U.S. plans to work with Congress to provide the announced funding and support for the various initiatives in the Pacific region.

The takeaway

The U.S. is making a concerted effort to strengthen its economic, security, and diplomatic ties with Pacific Island nations as part of its broader strategy to counter China's growing influence in the region and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.