Charles Edel, a CSIS Senior Adviser and former U.S. policy planner, and Kathryn Paik, Senior Fellow with the CSIS Australia Chair, dive into China's increasing influence in the Pacific. They discuss the urgency of U.S. engagement, revealing how Nauru's shift to recognize China highlights a diplomatic gap. The duo calls for better resources and cultural shifts in American foreign policy. They emphasize the need to tackle humanitarian issues and climate change while revitalizing America's presence through innovative initiatives, echoing JFK's vision for diplomacy.
Increasing American diplomatic presence in the Pacific is crucial to countering China's dominance and building strategic relationships.
A collaborative approach among multiple government departments is necessary to enhance U.S. engagement and effectiveness in Pacific diplomacy.
Deep dives
Strategic Diplomatic Presence
The podcast highlights the importance of increasing American diplomatic presence in the Pacific region, where the U.S. currently lags behind China in terms of the number of diplomats. China's recent expansion includes having many more diplomats in various countries such as Nauru, where they quickly established an embassy following diplomatic recognition. The discussion points out that while the U.S. has increased its focus on the Pacific, tangible diplomatic engagements remain minimal, with calls for more American diplomats to facilitate relationships and collaborative efforts. Strengthening diplomatic ties is essential not just for building connections but also for effectively addressing strategic concerns in the Indo-Pacific.
Bipartisan Support for Engagement
There is a concerted bipartisan interest in enhancing U.S. involvement in the Pacific, with both the administration and Congress expressing the need for increased resources and strategic approaches. The speakers emphasize that simply identifying the need for more action is not enough; actionable recommendations must accompany this acknowledgment to ensure implementation. They argue for a creative reevaluation of diplomatic strategies that can break down barriers and facilitate a larger, more effective U.S. presence across the region. This collaborative effort could ensure that American diplomatic resources are not only increased but also utilized effectively to combat challenges posed by other global powers, particularly China.
Need for an Innovative Approach
The podcast delves into the complexity of enhancing U.S. diplomatic engagement due to multifaceted challenges such as resourcing and incentivizing qualified diplomats to work in less popular regions. Listeners learn that fostering expertise in Pacific affairs is crucial, as there currently exists a shortage of individuals who specialize in the diverse cultures and political landscapes of the region. Recommendations highlighted include not only opening more embassies but also allowing flexibility in meeting security requirements tailored to the unique circumstances of Pacific Island nations. The discussion concludes that a forward-thinking approach involving multiple departments, not just the State Department, is necessary for increasing the responsiveness of U.S. diplomacy in the Pacific.
Charles Edel, CSIS Senior Adviser and Australia Chair, and Kathryn Paik, Senior Fellow with the CSIS Australia Chair, join the podcast to discuss their new Foreign Affairs article on how China is dominating foreign policy in the Pacific.