PORT MORESBY -- A U.S. Coast Guard cutter will be deployed to Papua New Guinea to help the island nation monitor illegal fishing and trafficking in August, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said Thursday, amid competition with China over influence in the South Pacific.
Indo-Pacific
U.S. to deploy coast guard ship to Papua New Guinea next month
Defense chief Austin vows to deepen bilateral cooperation with eye on China
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, left, and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape speak to reporters in the Papua New Guinea capital of Port Moresby on July 27. (Photo by Rurika Imahashi)
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