Biden Announces New Diplomatic Ties With Two Pacific Island Nations

Facts

• US Pres. Joe Biden announced on Monday that Washington is formally establishing diplomatic relations with two Pacific island nations — the Cook Islands and Niue. He revealed the news at the second annual Pacific Island Leaders Summit hosted by the White House.¹
• In a pair of statements, Biden said he was “proud” to recognize the Cook Islands and Niue as sovereign, independent states. He particularly said that the latter “plays a critical and constructive role in the Pacific, including supporting the region’s sustainable development, security, and marine protection and ocean conservation.”²
• The summit's two-day talks are expected to focus on climate change, regional economic growth, and sustainable development. The event comes amid growing US concerns about China's expanding military and economic influence in the pacific region.³
• At the 18-nation summit, Biden vowed to work with the US Congress to secure an additional $200M for regional projects to combat illegal fishing and improve the public health sector, in addition to mitigating the effects of climate change and promoting economic growth.⁴
• While Biden will reportedly announce a more assertive US stance in the region during the summit to deter China's growing clout, Washington expressed disappointment that Manasseh Sogavare — PM of the now closely Beijing-allied Solomon Islands — is not attending the summit.⁵
• The Cook Islands and Niue have a combined population of less than 20K but form an extensive economic zone in the South Pacific. They are self-governing nations in 'free association' with New Zealand, meaning their foreign and defense policies are linked to Wellington.⁶

Sources: ¹NBC, ²CNN, ³Al Jazeera, ⁴Reuters, ⁵France 24 and ⁶Barrons.

Narratives

• Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by New york times. Establishing diplomatic relations with the Cook Islands and Niue are strategically considered moves in response to growing Chinese influence in the region. The goal is not necessarily to ask countries to choose between Washington and Beijing; instead, it is to help ensure a 'free and open' Pacific that is peaceful and hospitable to commercial shipping, especially after China's assertiveness has forced the US to pay increased attention to the region.
• Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by Guardian. The South Pacific is of strategic interest to both the United States and China. The geopolitical rivalry for influence has prompted President Biden to diplomatically sweet-talk Pacific island leaders so as to win them over in the battle for influence against China. Those leaders know this, so are now seeking US financing for climate change adaptation and infrastructure projects — the world waits to see if Biden will deliver on his promise to bring the US checkbook to the summit as Washington scrambles for influence.

Predictions