The White House announced that the United States, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom had formed an informal group to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with Pacific island nations.

As China attempts to strengthen commercial, military, and police ties with Pacific island nations eager for Western investment, the Biden administration has committed to devote more resources to the Indo-Pacific.

Partners in the Blue Pacific (PBP) will attempt to foster Pacific regionalism and strengthen economic linkages between the islands of the Pacific and the rest of the world.

"We are unified in our commitment to support a Pacific region that benefits its inhabitants. We are also united in our approach to achieving this vision, according to the values of Pacific regionalism, sovereignty, transparency, and accountability, and most importantly, led and governed by the Pacific Islands, the White House stated.

Kurt Campbell, the White House's Indo-Pacific coordinator, stated on Thursday that he anticipates more high-level US officials to visit Pacific island nations as Washington intensifies its engagement in the strategically significant region to challenge China.

Campbell stated that the United States required additional diplomatic facilities around the region and increased communication with Pacific island nations that "occasionally receive less attention."