"Biden strengthens Pacific island alliances amid growing Chinese influence"

President Joe Biden met with Pacific island leaders at the White House summit, pledging U.S. commitment to a free, open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific region. Biden announced U.S. diplomatic recognition of the Cook Islands and Niue and pledged $200 million in funding for projects in the region focused on climate change mitigation, economic growth, countering illegal fishing, and improving public health. The leaders agreed to hold another summit in 2025 and political engagements every two years thereafter. While representatives from all 18 Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) members attended, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, who has deepened ties with China, did not attend. The U.S. is seeking to counter China's influence in the region and strengthen partnerships with Pacific island nations.