Fiji, Oct. 19 -- Delays in confirming United States Ambassadors are weakening Washington's global influence and creating opportunities for China and Russia to expand their diplomatic presence, the American Legion's National Security Commission has warned.

The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) reported that 92 of the United States' 196 ambassadorial positions were vacant as of 1 October, leaving more than 100 embassies without a Senate-confirmed ambassador, according to the organisation.

The vacancies include diplomatic missions in countries with longstanding ties to Washington, as well as conflict-affected regions where competition for political influence with China and Russia has intensified.

The Lowy Institute's 2024 Global...