It is noted that the desire to get closer to the countries of the region is caused by Washington's concern about the growing Chinese influence.
In particular, the publication, citing a diplomatic note, writes that the Solomon Islands refused to sign an agreement with the United States.
In addition, even those states, including the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau, with which Washington has already signed a free association agreement, are wary of the new declaration proposed by the US.
“The economic assistance offered by the United States seems predetermined and based on incomplete analysis ... simply put: US economic assistance is insufficient,” the newspaper quotes the text of a letter from the ambassadors of these countries to the US National Security Council coordinator for the Indo-Pacific region, Kurt Campbell.
Earlier, CNN reported that the US Navy sent the most advanced surface ship Zumwalt to East Asia.