U.S. recognizes Cook Islands and Niue amid China's Pacific inroads

Solomon Islands PM Sogavare skips Biden-led summit as Beijing ties deepen

U.S. President Joe Biden introduces Prime Minister of the Cook Islands Mark Brown during a summit with Pacific Island nation leaders at the White House on Sept. 25. © Reuters

YUKIHIRO SAKAGUCHI and RURIKA IMAHASHI, Nikkei staff writers

September 26, 2023 00:56 JST

Updated on September 26, 2023 07:24 JST

WASHINGTON/SYDNEY -- The U.S. is moving to establish diplomatic relations with the South Pacific nations of Cook Islands and Niue, amid efforts by Washington to counter China's growing influence in the region.