US, Japan and Australia to lay undersea cables in the Pacific Ocean

Washington/Canberra: – The United States and its allies have taken steps to ensure that small countries in the Indo-Pacific do not fall prey to China’s predatory economy. The United States, Japan, and Australia have agreed to lay an undersea cable for three small islands in the Pacific. Sources informed that Pacific countries could provide internet services through these undersea cables.

The foreign ministers of the United States, Japan and Australia discussed given the background of the G7 summit in London. Following the talks, a joint statement issued by the three countries outlined a project for the Pacific. ‘Undersea cables will be laid to provide high-speed internet services to the islands of Nauru, Kiribati and the federated states of Micronesia. The project will contribute to the economic development of the Pacific islands and improve the living standards of the people in those countries.’ the joint statement said.

The joint statement said that the project is not limited only to infrastructure investment but is also a sign of growing partnership with countries in the Pacific. The three countries also said that the Undersea cable project would be supported by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. The new project by the US, Japan and Australia is seen as part of an attempt to counter the growing Chinese activities in the region.

Over the past decade, China has invested more than $1 billion in Pacific Island nations. It is feared that China is trying to grab strategic locations in these small countries on the strength of this investment. The Pacific islands are close to Australia and Guam base in the United States. Therefore, China intends to pressure the United States and Australia by setting up defence bases or military facilities on these islands.

Australia and Japan, along with the United States, have been active in thwarting the Chinese intentions. The three countries have announced significant funding provisions for the Pacific region. A few years ago, Australia spent about $100 million to lay undersea cables to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Australia has taken the initiative even for this new cable project.