Biden's cancelled Asia trip raises concerns over US credibility in the Pacific.

US President Joe Biden's cancelled visit to Papua New Guinea due to the unfolding crisis over the US debt ceiling has dealt a blow to US credibility in the Pacific island region, where China has sought a greater security presence. The visit was viewed as a major step to build trust in the region, and the cancellation could be a setback for relations. Papua New Guinea had declared next Monday a public holiday in honour of Biden's arrival, and the cancellation was a "blow to US credibility in the region as a consistent partner," according to analysts.