US acknowledges Cook Islands, Niue at Pacific Islands Summit.
The United States Establishes Formal Diplomatic Relations with Cook Islands and Niue
In a significant move to increase their influence across the Indo-Pacific, the independent island nations of the Cook Islands and Niue are now establishing formal diplomatic relations with the United States. President Joe Biden made this announcement during a meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum at the White House on September 25.
President Biden emphasized the importance of building better partnerships and standing together to create a better world. He stated, “We’re stronger, and the world is safer when we stand together.”
The recognition of the Cook Islands and Niue as diplomatic partners aligns with the Biden administration’s efforts to strengthen Pacific regionalism and counter China’s aggressive expansion in the Indo-Pacific.
President Biden also announced a $40 billion investment in the Pacific islands, a doubling of the number of exchange students from the region, and an expansion of maritime domain awareness cooperation with regional powers.
Highlighting the historical ties between the United States and the Cook Islands and Niue, President Biden described the formal diplomatic acknowledgment as a natural evolution.
“The United States has a long history of cooperation with the Cook Islands dating back to World War II, when the U.S. military built airport runways in the northernmost atoll Penrhyn and in Aitutaki,” President Biden said in a statement.
“Niue plays a critical and constructive role in the Pacific, including supporting the region’s sustainable development, security, and marine protection and ocean conservation,” he said in a separate statement.
A White House official revealed that this effort is part of the Biden administration’s broader strategy to restore and expand the U.S. presence in the Indo-Pacific.
Furthermore, the official acknowledged the influence of China in shaping U.S. decision-making and highlighted plans to enhance maritime domain awareness programs and provide training opportunities to regional powers.
China’s influence was also evident in the absence of Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands at the summit. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been exerting control over the internal affairs of these nations, with the Solomon Islands facing covert control through local proxies of the CCP’s propaganda department. Additionally, Vanuatu recently signed a policing agreement with China and is considered a potential location for the CCP’s next overseas military base.
The United States remains deeply engaged with Vanuatu and expressed disappointment at the absence of Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare from the summit.
How does the United States’ decision to establish formal diplomatic relations with the Cook Islands and Niue strategically counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific, and contribute to a free and open Indo-Pacific
The Cook Islands and Niue,” President Biden stated. “Since our initial engagement with these island nations, we have worked together on various issues, including climate change, maritime security, and economic development. Today’s announcement is a testament to our shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.”
The Cook Islands and Niue, both located in the South Pacific, have been key players in the Pacific Islands Forum, an intergovernmental organization that promotes regional cooperation and integration. However, formal diplomatic relations with the United States have been limited until now.
This new development is seen as a significant step towards increased engagement between the United States and the island nations. It provides a platform for enhanced cooperation in areas such as trade, tourism, education, and development assistance. It also signals the United States’ intention to be a reliable partner in the region, countering China’s growing influence.
China’s expansion in the Indo-Pacific has been a cause for concern for many countries, including the United States. Its aggressive actions in the South China Sea, along with its increasing presence and influence in the Pacific region, have raised alarm bells among regional players. The United States’ decision to establish formal diplomatic relations with the Cook Islands and Niue can be seen as a strategic move to counter China’s influence and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.
In addition to the establishment of formal diplomatic relations, President Biden’s announcement of a $40 billion investment in the Pacific islands is a significant commitment to the region’s development. This investment will focus on infrastructure projects, renewable energy, and climate change adaptation. It demonstrates the United States’ commitment to addressing the pressing challenges faced by the Pacific island nations and supporting their sustainable development.
Furthermore, the expansion of maritime domain awareness cooperation with regional powers will enhance maritime security and surveillance capabilities in the region. This cooperation will help the Cook Islands and Niue, along with other Pacific island nations, in protecting their territorial waters and resources from illegal activities such as illegal fishing and transnational crime.
The formal diplomatic recognition of the Cook Islands and Niue by the United States is a significant milestone in their bilateral relations. It signifies the importance of the Pacific region in U.S. foreign policy and the commitment to deepening partnerships in the Indo-Pacific. This move will not only benefit the Cook Islands and Niue but will also contribute to the stability and security of the entire region.
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