The United States Diplomatic Recognition of the Cook Islands and Niue

The United States recently diplomatically recognized the Cook Islands and Niue as independent States. The tiny Pacific Ocean island States are in free association with New Zealand, an American ally. The step is a counter to Communist China’s assertive influence in the Pacific. The U.S. has signed security deals with Australia, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines, in addition to those it already has with several other Pacific States. As a Pacific power, there are American bases in Guam and the Northern Marianas, in addition the oceanic coast of the homeland.