Biden and the leaders of the island nations. Susan Walsh/AP
The US-China relationship
Biden recognizes island nations - seen as move against China
The Cook Islands and Niue are formally recognized as independent countries by the United States. This is what President Joe Biden says and announces that the United States will establish diplomatic relations with the island nations, several media reports.
- We want to contribute to a free and open Pacific region, says Biden at a meeting with representatives from several Pacific countries in the White House.
China has recently increased its influence in the region and the US move is seen as a counterbalance to that.
The Chinese influence was felt not least by the fact that the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands did not participate in the meeting. The Solomon Islands have had a security agreement with China since last year.
In addition to recognizing the countries, which are freely connected to New Zealand, Biden promised to invest $200 million in climate issues in the region.
Joe Biden with Kiribati President Taneti Maamau. Mark Schiefelbein / AP
The US invests billions in the climate of Pacific nations
Joe Biden promises to invest 200 million dollars, equivalent to roughly 2.2 billion Swedish kronor, to make several of the island nations in the Pacific more ready for climate change, AP reports.
Several of the region's leaders are visiting the White House and an important issue for them is climate change, which is particularly felt in that part of the world.
- We hear your warnings about a rising sea level and that it poses an existential threat to your nations, said Joe Biden when the climate package was presented.
According to Reuters, the US investing resources in the region is a response to China's growing interest in the region.
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