The United States and Australia have expressed concerns over the involvement of Chinese security forces in the Pacific Islands, following reports of Chinese police operating in the remote atoll nation of Kiribati, southwest of Hawaii. The U.S. has warned Pacific nations against importing security forces from the PRC, suggesting that it could fuel regional and international tensions. Ambassador Burns highlighted ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, including Chinese island-building and the bullying of U.S. ally, the Philippines. Australia's Pacific Minister Pat Conroy, as reported by Reuters, stated that there should be 'no role' for China in policing the Pacific Islands and announced plans for Australia to train more local security forces.
Australia's Pacific Minister Pat Conroy said there should be ‘no role’ for China in policing the Pacific Islands, and Australia will train more local security forces to fill gaps, after @Reuters reported Chinese police are working in Kiribati https://t.co/rStHVxkhvO
⚠️ 'NO ROLE' FOR CHINA IN PACIFIC POLICING, AUSTRALIAN MINISTER SAYS (Reuters) Australia's Pacific Minister Pat Conroy said there should be "no role" for China in policing the Pacific Islands, and Australia will train more local security forces to fill gaps, after Reuters… https://t.co/oiYR6enDvV
The US has warned Pacific nations against “importing” security forces from China to help with domestic law and order following reports that Chinese police are working in Kiribati, a small island chain southwest of Hawaii https://t.co/uaMIYYtcuD
The United States has cautioned Pacific Islands nations against assistance from Chinese security forces after reports surfaced that Chinese police are working in the remote atoll nation of Kiribati. https://t.co/KiG301yYLo
Amb. Burns said tensions over Chinese island-building in the South China Sea and bullying of U.S. ally Philippines have not eased in recent weeks. https://t.co/DYxxeACt6G
🚨 “We do not believe importing security forces from the PRC will help any Pacific Island country. Instead, doing so risks fueling regional and international tensions.” “We are concerned about the potential implications security agreements and security-related cyber… https://t.co/9zEbjnPpbN https://t.co/AYVkZnIV7d