The United States has pledged to assist in combating illicit drug trafficking in the Pacific Islands, a region that has become a hub for the drug trade between China and the United States. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell made this announcement during the official launch of the U.S. embassy in Port Vila, Vanuatu.
The United States has been grappling with an opioid crisis that results in tens of thousands of overdose deaths each year. As such, it has criticized Chinese companies for their involvement in the global fentanyl supply chain. Additionally, island nations Fiji and Tonga have experienced an increase in methamphetamine seizures this year.
According to a report from January 2020 by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), fentanyl and its precursors were primarily shipped from China to the United States in small packages. However, criminals have now started using Pacific Islands as transit points for drug trafficking.
Deputy Secretary Campbell expressed concern over criminal networks from China and Southeast Asia utilizing these islands as transshipment points to Latin America and the United States. He stated that many Pacific partners are eager to collaborate with the United States to address this issue.
Campbell revealed that an announcement regarding law enforcement efforts against drugs in the Pacific will be made next week. He also mentioned that the United States could provide assistance with drug interdiction, treatment, and prevention initiatives.
Prior to visiting Vanuatu, Campbell attended a meeting with leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum held in Tonga. During his visit, he met Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele of Solomon Islands who expressed interest in re-engaging with the United States after striking a security pact with China under its previous leader.
Campbell also had discussions with Qian Bo, China’s Pacific envoy while he was still in Tonga on Wednesday. They explored potential areas of cooperation such as climate change projects which received positive feedback from regional leaders.
Furthermore, Campbell highlighted ongoing efforts by the United States to offer financing for small businesses aimed at reviving tourism infrastructure and improving hospital facilities and telecoms links within Vanuatu while ensuring Pacific Island countries have multiple partnership options available beyond just China.
China currently holds significant influence over Vanuatu due to its extensive infrastructure construction projects carried out by Chinese companies over ten years ago.
In related news, U.S National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan raised concerns about illicit drug trafficking during his meetings with Chinese leader Xi Jinping held over 14 hours on Monday.
Sullivan emphasized their desire for progress on counternarcotics measures specifically aimed at reducing synthetic drugs’ flow into America—a problem largely originating from China where fentanyl-related substances are produced.