US-China tensions rise as Blinken plans trip to Papua New Guinea.

China warns against "geopolitical games" in the South Pacific as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken plans to visit Papua New Guinea next week. The US has made the Pacific region a central focus of its global outreach to counter China's growing influence there. China has increasingly filled the vacuum in the region through increased aid, development, and security cooperation. Blinken will meet with leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum to discuss shared priorities such as tackling the climate crisis and advancing inclusive economic growth.