The Changing Roles of U.S., Australia, China and India in the South Pacific

Breakfast with The Honorable C. Steven McGann
U.S. Ambassador to Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga and Tuvalu

Fiji is expanding its ties with the new Asian superpowers, China and India, says the country’s self-appointed Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama. The Prime Minister says that he is prepared to modify Fiji's traditional ties with Australia, New Zealand, and the United States in exchange for more aid and trade opportunities, particularly from Beijing.

China’s emerging role in the South Pacific will have implications for America’s Pacific policy, and there are debates whether the US should step up its diplomatic efforts in the South Pacific region.

Ambassador C. Steven McGann will give an overview of the US Pacific policy. He will also discuss US relations with Australia, New Zealand, and other Pacific island countries, as well as key issues such as climate change.

Ambassador McGann is a career Senior Foreign Service officer, rank of Minister- Counselor (FE-MC), recently serving as the Director of the Office for Australian, New Zealand and Pacific Island Affairs in the Bureau for East Asian and Pacific Affairs.

He also was a Senior Adviser in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs serving as the maritime security coordinator and expert on North Korean human rights and refugee issues. He was the South Asia Bureau Deputy Director for Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh (2000-02) and helped craft polices to restore democracy in Afghanistan.

Ambassador McGann's overseas posts have included Taiwan, Zaire, South Africa, Australia, and Kenya.

Oct 5, 2010 | 8:30am to 10:00am

Please note: RSVPs are required by 12 pm on October 4.