A deep-sea mining gold rush in the Pacific Ocean is causing rifts across Pacific nations. International frictions are rising as the United States and China compete over deep-sea minerals in the region. The U.S. is preparing for its first major seabed minerals lease sale off the Northern Mariana Islands.
Supporters are urging Australia to participate in a $41 trillion fight unfolding in its backyard. The drive toward ocean minerals creates fault lines beneath the Blue Pacific. These developments test the future of Pacific unity as major nations compete.