US to Increase Diplomatic Foothold in the Pacific with New Embassies in Cook Islands, Niue

In an effort to foster stronger relations and block accelerating Chinese influence in the Pacific, US President Joe Biden will inaugurate new embassies in the Cook Islands and Niue. This announcement arrives before the second US-Pacific Island Forum Summit in Washington, where critical discussions on climate change's regional impact will take place.

Biden's emphasis on strengthening US-Pacific alliances comes as China's increasing military and economic power causes concern. Details of the new diplomatic missions were confirmed by two senior administration officials speaking on anonymity.

The US President’s approach to the upcoming summit will be to further enhance diplomatic ties with the Pacific Island nations and collectively address complex global challenges including climate change mitigation, economic growth, and promoting sustainable development. The leaders are due to partake in briefings on combatting illegal fishing and maritime issues while enjoying American hospitality at a local football game.

Last year, the White House made public its Pacific strategy, pledging added aid of $810m for Pacific Islands alongside a promise of $130m dedicated to climate change mitigation efforts over the next decade. However, these commitments are currently awaiting congressional approval.

Earlier, Pacific Island nations have pointed out the inadequacies of rich countries in climate change control measures and expressed concerns over potential militarisation due to geopolitical conflicts in the region. Adding to the complexity, the US’s agreement renewal with the Marshall Islands, a location of significant past US nuclear testing, is now in negotiation.