The president of United States, Joe Bidenannounced this Monday that his country has officially recognized as “sovereign and independent states” at Cook Islands and Niue to counteract the influence of China in the Pacific.
In that sense, he explained that USA will establish diplomatic relations with both nations, he explained.
The measure will help maintain a “free and open Indo-Pacific region”stated the presidentwho added that the agreements to recognize the two nations will also help curb illegal fishing, address climate change in a vulnerable region and boost economic growth.
Together, the Cook Islands and Niue they have less than 20,000 inhabitants but they constitute an expanding economic zone in the South Pacific.
Both are autonomous nations in “free association” with New Zealandwhich means that its foreign and defense policies are linked to varying degrees to Wellington.
Why the South Pacific is important
He South Pacific has become an important stage of competition between United States and Chinawhich has dramatically increased its influence economic, political and military in this strategic oceanic region.
He american president made the announcement when this Monday and Tuesday celebrates the second “United States-Pacific Islands Forum Summit”almost a year after the first edition, which also took place in Washington.
The forum brings together States and territories of the Pacific Oceanfrom Australia until microstates and archipelagos sparsely populated. The Prime Minister will be absent Solomon Islandsnow closely aligned with Beijing.
“We are disappointed that he has decided not to attend this very special summit,” said an official from the White House who has requested anonymity.
Source: Ambito
