US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau completed a high-level visit to Tonga, Fiji and Samoa from February 26 to March 2, unveiling a package of security, digital connectivity and economic initiatives the State Department says are aimed at deepening Washington’s partnership across the Pacific. The trip, which followed a Pacific Agenda investment summit Landau hosted in Honolulu from February 22–24, included new pledges on maritime surveillance, military financing, subsea cables, and feasibility studies to lay groundwork for larger development programmes.
A principal focus of the visit was countering Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. The State Department announced it intends to provide US$2.5 million, subject to Congressional action, to partner with the Pacific Community (SPC) to build the capacity of compliance officers for coastal fisheries management and IUU enforcement. Separately, Washington plans to provide US$540,000 to support automatic identification systems (AIS) for Tonga and Samoa, investments described as improving navigational safety and helping deter maritime crime by enhancing vessel monitoring in national waters.
In Tonga, Landau and Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala signed an arrangement expanding the US Coast Guard’s ability to assist in combating illegal fishing and other criminal activities in Tongan waters — a concrete operational step intended to increase regional maritime domain awareness. The United States also flagged cooperation with Tonga on marine scientific research to support responsible seabed exploration, reflecting growing international interest in deep-sea resources and the stated need for environmental safeguards.
Security assistance to Fiji and Samoa was also announced. The US will provide US$500,000 in Foreign Military Financing to bolster secure communications for the Republic of Fiji Navy, funding the State Department says will strengthen Fiji’s capacity to counter transnational crime and IUU fishing. In Samoa, US officials handed over approximately US$138,000 worth of custom-fitted ballistic vests and helmets for law enforcement officers working against transnational criminal organisations. Landau also signed an Open Skies agreement in Samoa intended to reduce barriers to air services between Samoa and the United States, a move officials say should boost trade, tourism and people-to-people links.
Economic and infrastructure initiatives accompanied the security measures. The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) signed a US$12 million grant agreement with the Government of Fiji to support design and feasibility studies that could inform a possible compact programme for Board consideration. For Tonga, the visit reinforced previously announced priorities: a threshold programme focused on digital technology and energy was first identified in August 2025, and the United States Trade and Development Agency has committed funding for scoping work on a Tonga Fuel Storage and Transport Infrastructure feasibility study.
Digital connectivity received major emphasis. The State Department said it intends to provide US$6 million, working with Congress, to support subsea cable branching units that would enable Tonga and Samoa to connect to the Pacific Connect network — part of broader US efforts to expand internet access and economic opportunity in the region. The announcements from Landau’s trip follow the Pacific Agenda summit in Honolulu, where senior officials from 16 Pacific islands and US private sector representatives discussed investment, trade and infrastructure priorities.
US officials framed the visit as the latest step in a stepped-up Pacific engagement that blends diplomatic, commercial and security tools. Several of the commitments announced in Tonga, Fiji and Samoa will require further funding approvals and implementation agreements, meaning the February 26–March 2 trip primarily sets the policy direction and initial financing that Washington says will support longer-term partnerships with Pacific island governments.
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