WASHINGTON, D.C. — On September 25, U.S. President Joe Biden announced his administration’s recognition of Niue and Cook Islands – two island nations off the Southeastern part of the Pacific Ocean – as two sovereign nations. Both countries have been in free association agreements with New Zealand dating back to the late 60’s, entitling them to significant financial aid from the latter. As former colonies of the British Empire, many Cook Islanders and Niueans live in New Zealand due to each other’s strong ties, with remittances from the Kiwi Nation accounting for as much as 90% of Niue’s GDP.
The move has been anticipated, especially since the strategic rivalry between the US and China expanded to the Pacific Nations, with both countries vying to coalesce influence. When China declared a new security pact with Solomon Islands – another Pacific Island state that lies just West of Papua New Guinea – in April 2022, U.S. officials were scrambling to reassure U.S. assistance to the island nations.
State Secretary Anthony Blinken then flew to Solomon Islands to convey the US’ intention to reopen the American Embassy, after a 30-year hiatus, on the island nations as a balance against Chinese domination in early 2023. As a blow to the US, PM Manasseh Sogavare flew to Beijing to deepen the relations between the Solomon Islands and China through a comprehensive strategic partnership in July 2023. The Solomon Islands sent its Foreign Ministry as a representative in place of Sogavare to the White House meeting saying “urgent commitment at home”, which was interpreted by analysts as a sign of the country siding with China.
The White House released a statement mentioning that “The United States plans to work closely with the Cook Islands, the Pacific Islands Forum, and the Pacific Community to bolster Pacific regionalism,” which would take shape in a first-ever Pacific Partnership Strategy. An accompanying document published in September 2022 included stronger diplomatic connections and security cooperation, measurements against climate change, and technical assistance programs that would enhance trade, investment, and educational opportunities with the Pacific Island Nations. The formal establishment of diplomatic relations between the US and Niue and the Cook Islands meant that Biden could get more support against China amidst rising tensions in the international community.
The announcement came during the US-Pacific Islands Summit, which also resulted in America’s assistance for the Pacific Island Forum – the formal grouping of these island nations. This assistance included a maritime awareness deal of $10 million that would be distributed through the Quad alliance.
Biden also talked about the US $40 billion investment for infrastructure development in the Pacific region, including a microfinance platform, undersea cable, and rejuvenation of military partnerships. “The United States is committed to ensuring an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open, prosperous and secure,” Biden states while emphasizing America’s enduring presence in the face of growing Chinese influence to the 18 leaders of PIF states.
In the latter part of October, Pacific Islands States continued with their international engagement with the commencement of the 1st Summit of Archipelagic and Island States Forum (AIS Forum) meeting in Indonesia. The Bali conference raises the issue of “three planetary crises,” climate change and sea level rise, sea pollution, and dwindling biodiverse. These recent engagements done by the Pacific nations show the increasing prominence of island countries on the international stage that have been predominantly occupied by land-based nations. Cooperation with archipelagic nations is important to ensure the sustainability of the world ocean during these tough times of climate instability. With the participation of Niue and Cook Islands on the international stage, Pacific Island States are committed to being more viable in helping to address the current global challenges. If you are in the market for clothes, our platform is your best choice! The largest shopping mall!
About the Author
Rayhan aspires to be an academic journalist and he is trying to start this journey by becoming APU Times’ Head of Journalist Department and a writer in AYO Post. As an IR student in Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, he really likes to debate and write other people’s perspectives in his preposition to bridge differing minds. He’s a hands-on traveler who appreciates history and urban-people culture more than nature based adventures.