A seabed excavation gold rush in the Pacific Ocean is creating divisions across Pacific nations. Diplomatic rivalries are rising as the United States and China seek control of deep-sea minerals in the region. The U.S. is preparing for its first significant seabed minerals lease sale off the Northern Mariana Islands.
Supporters are pressing Australia to participate in a $41 trillion fight unfolding in its backyard. The push for ocean minerals creates fault lines beneath the Blue Pacific. These developments challenge the future of Pacific unity as major nations compete.