Pacific Islands solidarity is a Biden priority, U.S.

Joe Biden sees strong ties with Pacific Island countries as a priority

U.S. President Joe Biden sees strong ties with Pacific Island countries as a priority, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said in the Solomon Islands on Sunday, underscoring the stakes of her visit as tensions have been mounting in the region.

The Solomons surprised their neighbour Australia, and the United States, this year by striking a security pact with China.

"President Biden has made solidarity with the Pacific Islands a priority for his entire administration from the very beginning," Sherman said at the event, also attended by top diplomats from Australia and New Zealand.

"We have built profound and enduring ties with each other, as one Pacific family."