US and Australia to build $65M submarine cable in Pacific.
The United States and Australia to Partner in Major Submarine Cable Project in the Pacific
In a move to counter growing Beijing influence in the region, the United States and Australia have announced a partnership with Google on a US$65 million project (A$101.1 million) to connect multiple Pacific Island nations to the internet. This ambitious project aims to provide critical submarine cable connectivity to countries such as Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Nauru, Vanuatu, Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu.
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The United States is taking steps to strengthen Indo-Pacific deterrence through the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI) in response to Beijing’s increasing influence. President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have jointly announced their commitment to co-finance critical maritime infrastructure projects in Kiribati, including the rehabilitation of Kanton Wharf and Charlie Wharf in Tarawa.
In their joint statement, President Biden and Mr. Albanese emphasized their commitment to providing $65 million in financing for future submarine cable connectivity in Pacific Island countries. This initiative aims to enhance access to global markets and promote regional connectivity goals. The United States and Australia will engage with Pacific Island nations to develop and deploy a pilot initiative in the region, focusing on increasing national cyber resilience and upgrading data services and cloud-based backups.
Earlier discussions had hinted at the possibility of a major submarine cable project, and now it has become a reality. President Biden and Mr. Albanese have been engaged in talks during an official state visit in Washington D.C.
Australia will contribute $50 million (A$79 million) for the Pacific through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility. Both governments, along with Google, APTelecom, and Hawaiki Nui, will collaborate to provide branching units for the Pacific Island nations.
The White House highlighted that this project builds upon existing investments by Australia, the United States, and other Quad partners in telecommunications and infrastructure in the Pacific.
Back in June, Japan announced its collaboration with the United States and Australia on a $95 million (A$150 million) undersea cable project for the Indo-Pacific region, where Beijing’s influence is growing.
New Innovation Alliance
The submarine cable project is part of a new “innovation alliance” between the United States and Australia, as announced by the two world leaders.
“We, President Biden and Prime Minister Albanese, inaugurated a new era of U.S.-Australia strategic cooperation during the Prime Minister’s Official Visit and State Dinner in Washington, D.C., today,” the two leaders stated.
During a joint press conference, President Biden emphasized the strong alliance between Australia and the United States and its crucial role in the Pacific.
“The alliance between Australia and the United States is an anchor—and I believe this with every fiber of my being—an anchor to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and, quite frankly, around the world,” he said.
The leaders also discussed various topics, including the Israel-Hamas conflict, Beijing, clean energy, innovation, and the AUKUS partnership.
During his visit to the United States, Mr. Albanese also announced a $2 billion (US$1.26 billion) boost to critical minerals. Additionally, both countries have established a climate critical minerals and clean energy compact to enhance climate cooperation.
On Oct. 24, Microsoft made a significant investment of $5 billion (US$3.18 billion) in cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) in Australia. This marks Microsoft’s largest investment in Australia in its 40-year history. The investment includes the training of an AI workforce and the development of cybersecurity capabilities in Australia.
President Biden and Mr. Albanese also shared a private dinner, followed by an official state dinner at the White House with 300 guests. The leaders continued their discussions throughout the day.
How does the submarine cable project strengthen existing ties between the United States, Australia, and Pacific Island nations, and what opportunities does it create for economic growth and collaboration
Lion project to lay a submarine cable network across the Pacific region. This project, known as the Palau Cable 2, aims to connect Palau, Yap, Ulithi, and Sonsorol in Micronesia to the global internet backbone. The completion of the Palau Cable 2 is expected to significantly improve internet connectivity and reduce reliance on costly satellite connections in these remote islands.
The partnership between the United States, Australia, and Google in the major submarine cable project further demonstrates a growing focus on enhancing regional connectivity in the Pacific. With the persistent growth of Beijing’s influence in the region, it is crucial for the United States and its allies to ensure robust and reliable communication networks to counter any potential disruptions. This initiative aims to provide Pacific Island nations with improved access to information, education, e-commerce, and telemedicine, thus contributing to their overall development.
Moreover, the project is expected to strengthen the existing ties between the United States, Australia, and the Pacific Island nations. By investing in critical infrastructure, the United States and Australia are signaling their commitment to the region’s security and prosperity. The submarine cable project not only facilitates greater connectivity but also creates new opportunities for economic growth and collaboration. It opens doors for innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation in the Pacific Island nations, enabling them to participate more actively in the global digital economy.
The participation of Google in this partnership is significant. As a global technology leader, Google brings its expertise in building and operating high-speed submarine cable networks. Its involvement not only ensures the technical excellence of the project but also highlights the private sector’s role in supporting critical infrastructure development. By collaborating with Google, the United States and Australia leverage private sector resources and knowledge to maximize the benefits of this important initiative.
It is worth noting that this project aligns with the broader vision of the Quad – an informal strategic forum consisting of the United States, Japan, Australia, and India. The Quad members have recognized the increasing importance of the Indo-Pacific region and have been working together to promote a free, open, and inclusive order. Enhancing connectivity and digital infrastructure in the Pacific is an integral part of this endeavor, and the submarine cable project exemplifies the Quad’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and resilience.
In conclusion, the partnership between the United States, Australia, and Google in the major submarine cable project in the Pacific marks a significant step towards countering Beijing’s influence and promoting regional connectivity. This ambitious initiative will provide critical internet access to Pacific Island nations, fostering their development and resilience. With the participation of Google and the support of the Quad, this project demonstrates the power of collaboration and exemplifies the commitment of like-minded countries to a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
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