U.S. President Biden spoke by telephone with Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Marape.
Biden postponed his visit to the Pacific island due to the US government's debt ceiling issue. Secretary of State Blinken would attend a meeting with the leaders of Pacific island nations. The postponement of Biden's visit has raised concerns that China's influence in the region will increase further. The White House said the postponement was necessary to prevent the US from defaulting on its debt obligations to the world community.