Schatz Statement On Report Of PRC Police Force In Kiribati

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on reporting of the Chinese government’s involvement with community policing in the Republic of Kiribati.

“Reports of China’s growing influence across Pacific Island nations, including Kiribati, underscore the need for the United States to continue strengthening our partnerships in the region. To build enduring trust with the people of the Pacific Islands, we need to redouble our efforts to support economic development, help meet infrastructure needs, bolster public health capacity, and more. Doing that work includes urgently passing the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2023 which is an important step in demonstrating the United States’ continued commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

###