US and Kiribati Forces Conduct Joint Patrol, Board Chinese Fishing Boats

No violations found during the inspection of two Chinese vessels in Kiribati's exclusive economic zone, highlighting increased US presence in the Pacific.

• The US Coast Guard and Kiribati police boarded two Chinese fishing boats in the Pacific Islands nation's exclusive economic zone, finding no issues.
• The operation is part of efforts to combat illegal fishing and increase surveillance amid growing US-China rivalry in the region.
• Kiribati, strategically located near Hawaii, is a focal point in the geopolitical competition between the US and China.
• The US plans to build an embassy in Kiribati, aiming to strengthen ties and counter China's influence.
• Chinese police have been working in Kiribati on community policing and a crime database program since the country switched diplomatic ties from Taiwan to Beijing in 2019.

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