Rugby Diplomacy: Countering China in the South Pacific

Leveraging Sports Diplomacy: A strategy for U.S. influence in the South Pacific

Despite considerable U.S. and allied development aid contributions exceeding those of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in the South Pacific,the PRC has made critically important gains in regional influence. The 14 nations of the region, while small in size, control economic exclusion zones covering 20 percent of the Earth’s surface and hold strategic geographic importance in the Pacific. This necessitates a shift in U.S. strategy, recognizing the region’s growing geopolitical meaning.

The Potential of Rugby Diplomacy

Commander Jason Lancaster argues for a more systematic and enduring approach to sports diplomacy, specifically focusing on rugby. The U.S.Navy has sporadically engaged in sports diplomacy through U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) rugby teams and visiting ships, but this engagement should be formalized. Investing in regular rugby matches in the South Pacific offers a valuable opportunity to compete wiht the PRC for influence.

The South Pacific region desires greater attention from the U.S., a need that has historically gone unmet. Notably, no U.S. president has ever visited a Pacific Island country, while PRC President Xi Jinping has visited Papua New Guinea and Fiji, and hosted numerous pacific Island leaders in Beijing. A consistent sports diplomacy program can serve as a gateway for high-level engagements, attracting broader regional attention.

Recent Developments and Comparative Approaches

Australia’s recent agreement with Papua New Guinea to provide $600 million Australian dollars for a National Rugby League (NRL) Expansion team in Port Moresby, followed by Papua New Guinea signing defence agreements with Australia, demonstrates a confluence of interests and engagements. This highlights the potential for leveraging sports to strengthen broader strategic partnerships.

The U.S. Naval Academy Rugby Teams conducted a Pacific Rugby Diplomacy tour in 2024,playing matches in Fiji,Samoa,and Tonga. Maintaining this momentum and expanding the program is crucial to competing for the loyalty of Pacific Island youth.

Enhancing Engagement and Building Relationships

engaging U.S. sailors of Pacific Island descent by facilitating thier attendance at games in their countries of origin can foster stronger connections with local communities. This approach, mirrored by the Royal New Zealand Navy’s practise of sending sailors to military memorial days like ANZAC Day, personalizes engagement and builds trust.

President Trump’s demonstrated interest in hosting major athletic events, such as the Olympics and World Cup, presents an opportunity to leverage Navy rugby matches as high-profile engagements with leaders from strategically crucial nations. While the PRC can fund infrastructure projects like stadiums, it lacks competitive rugby teams, providing the U.S. Navy with a unique advantage.

Comparative Advantages and Strategic Implications

The following table summarizes the comparative advantages of the U.S. and PRC in the context of sports diplomacy in the South Pacific: