US vows to support ‘free media’ in Pacific as concern over China influence grows

Washington will look to partner with Pacific media sector, top official tells the Guardian

• China’s rising power in the Pacific explained in 30 seconds

Regional media has emerged as a new front in the contest between the US and China in the Pacific, as Washington said it will support “free media” while warning of the dangers of Beijing’s efforts to manipulate information around the world.

During a visit to countries in the Indo-Pacific in October, the US under secretary for public diplomacy and public affairs, Elizabeth Allen, said Washington was “prioritising the support of independent media” across the region.