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.

One in five Indigenous Chamorros in the Northern Mariana Islands has diabetes, and the demand for dialysis is growing. But the only dialysis centers are on the capital island of Saipan.

The announcement comes days after the Solomon Islands asked countries to not send naval vessels to the South Pacific nation until approval processes are overhauled.

Patients who hadn’t sought health care in years flocked to clinics when a temporary pandemic program expanded Medicaid access to the commonwealth’s guest worker population.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. suspended classes in all public schools and government work in the densely populated capital region and in six outlying provinces as a precaution.

The U.S. is redoubling efforts to strengthen its relationships with Pacific nations as a counterbalance to China, which is trying to expand its presence and influence in the region.

Agricultural technologists descended upon Hilo to discuss innovation, as well as the many hurdles Hawaii faces as it tries to increase food production.

The Micronesian president said he wouldn’t endorse the plan, warning it would heighten geopolitical tensions and threaten regional stability.

China insists it’s promoting regional stability and economic growth, but experts and governments fear Beijing is trying to exert influence in the region.