As China and the U.S. jockey for control of the Pacific, little attention is being paid to the bombs that litter the island nation.

Once the pledges are made, accessing money from the global funds to help communities cope with sea level rise and other climate impacts is a challenge.

The federal government invests far less in funding data collection for communities in U.S. territories than residents of U.S. states.

Advocates had hoped the case would be a chance for the court to overturn racist case law that affects residents of all U.S. territories.

The growing threats from climate change and geopolitical tensions with China are underscoring EWC’s role in strengthening U.S.-Pacific relationships.

Remarks by the foreign minister represented the first time Solomon Islands has publicly acknowledged it had initial concerns about the agreement and expressed why it had a change of heart.

President Joe Biden says the vast and diverse region will be a “critical voice” in global relations. But major policy disagreements persist.

The island nations are seeking help with climate change and other woes that are threatening their very existence.

Representatives from 15 countries and territories convened in Honolulu for the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders.

The move comes amid allegations that heavy-handed actions by China are aimed at increasing its control over the region.