The United States plans to open an embassy in the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, the State Department said on Friday, in Washington's latest move to boost its diplomatic presence in the Pacific to counter China's growing influence.
"Consistent with the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy, a permanent diplomatic presence in Vanuatu would allow the U.S. Government to deepen relationships with Ni-Vanuatu officials and society," the department said in a statement.
"Establishing U.S. Embassy Port Vila would facilitate areas of potential bilateral cooperation and development assistance, including efforts to tackle the climate crisis," it said.
