Chinese investments in infrastructure throughout the Pacific Islands may appear innocuous but could potentially serve military purposes for Beijing, according to senior members of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission in a recent interview. The bipartisan commission’s insights underscore growing concerns about China’s multi-faceted strategy, which blends economic development with long-term security ambitions.
Randall Schriver, chairman of the commission, emphasized that facilities such as runways and ports funded by China are often “dual use.” He warned that the trend of militarization in the region suggests military interests are intertwined with developmental projects. “Even if it’s declared for civilian use, it is by its very nature dual-use and could be utilized for military objectives,” Schriver noted.
The commission members stressed that China’s investments in the Pacific should be examined within a broader context. Schriver reiterated the notion of “strings attached” to these infrastructure projects, which sometimes involve granting access for the Chinese military in exchange for financial support. Michael Kuiken, the commission’s vice-chair, highlighted a troubling pattern characterized by what he termed “debt diplomacy,” where China places Pacific Island nations under significant financial strain, allowing it to leverage this debt for military access and infrastructure enhancements.
Kuiken pointed to a recurring cycle of debt that leads to increased Chinese influence, citing examples from various territories such as Taiwan, Palau, and the Solomon Islands. He described this as “a flywheel of debt diplomacy” that China systematically employs.
Both commission members acknowledged that the U.S. has been slow to respond to these threats and should heighten awareness surrounding China’s movements in the region. As Chinese infrastructure projects progress near Guam—vital for U.S. military logistics—Schriver noted the pressing need for timely action.
Indicators of a problematic shift from civilian to military utilization of these projects are already surfacing. Schriver pointed to instances like undersea cable disruptions and the potential deployment of Chinese military aircraft at Pacific facilities as escalating signs of military intent. He referenced patterns previously observed in the South China Sea, warning that similar developments could unfold elsewhere.
To combat this influence, Kuiken urged lawmakers to enhance scrutiny, push for transparency, and leverage intelligence resources. He cited an upcoming hearing on undersea infrastructure and associated security risks, emphasizing that the global economy’s reliance on data underscores the critical nature of these developments.
In response to these challenges, the commission has advocated for an expanded U.S. strategy that involves bolstering Coast Guard cooperation and supporting Pacific Island nations to reinforce their resilience against both economic coercion and security threats. Schriver pointed to the proposed “Pacific Island Security Initiative,” which aims to amalgamate economic, law enforcement, and defense elements in a comprehensive approach to counteract Chinese influence.
This multifaceted strategy echoes the necessity for a coordinated response in order to effectively safeguard the interests and sovereignty of nations within the Pacific region.
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