Biden announces new diplomatic ties with two Pacific Island nations

President Joe Biden announced new diplomatic relations with two Pacific Island nations, the Cook Islands and Niue, on Monday. The announcement comes during the president's second annual, two-day summit hosting Pacific Island leaders at the White House. The move is part of the administration's focus to counter China's influence in the region. Biden said in a statement Monday that the new relations with the two nations would deepen the United States’ cooperation in addressing climate change, protecting maritime borders and marine resources, and advancing “a free and open Indo-Pacific region." A senior administration official said in a call with reporters…