Key Mineral Competition: The US Follows China in Exploring Underwater Mineral Exploration and Development Research with the Cook Islands
The U.S. Department of State announced on Tuesday that the U.S. has started negotiations with the Cook Islands on underwater mineral exploration and development research. The Cook Islands, located between New Zealand and Hawaii, consist of 15 islands and atolls. In recent years, Beijing has signed security, trade, and financial agreements with multiple Pacific Island countries, causing Western nations traditionally dominant in the Pacific to increasingly worry about China's growing influence in the region.
The U.S. Department of State introduced through a joint statement that, "The U.S. government has begun discussions with the government of the Cook Islands to support research needed for underwater exploration and responsible development within the exclusive economic zone of the Cook Islands. Both the United States and the Cook Islands are proud that companies affiliated with the U.S. are leading in deep-sea underwater mineral research and exploration in the Cook Islands, reflecting the strong and common interests of the United States and the Cook Islands in underwater minerals."
The statement mentioned, "Underwater minerals are essential for the development and driving force of today's and future technologies. The Cook Islands are leading in the exploration of mineral resources within their exclusive economic zone and recognize the huge potential of these resources in supporting the long-term development and prosperity of their people."
The U.S. Department of State said, "This cooperation marks a new chapter in the partnership between our two countries since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2023. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to scientific progress, shared prosperity, economic self-reliance, and environmental management, working together to map and study the underwater mineral resources of the Cook Islands."
The statement continued, "The Cook Islands have rich marine natural resources, while the United States has expertise in marine research and technology. Both sides have unique advantages that can work together to ensure that the exploration and development of underwater mineral resources are guided by strict gold-standard science and best practices."
At the beginning of this year, Prime Minister Brown of the Cook Islands approved a cooperation agreement with China without consulting New Zealand. Subsequently, New Zealand suspended aid to the Cook Islands, emphasizing that it would not resume aid until the latter takes 'specific measures' to restore trust.
The Cook Islands is an autonomous country with a population of 17,000. In February this year, it signed cooperation documents with China in Harbin, including the "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Action Plan (2025-2030)" covering deep-sea mining, regional cooperation, and economic issues. The two sides reached a five-year agreement to cooperate in exploring and researching underwater mineral resources in the Pacific, which surprised New Zealand.
On Wednesday, the New Zealand Foreign Ministry stated that New Zealand is aware of the new agreement between the Cook Islands and the United States and respects "the right and responsibility of countries to manage their mineral resources." The Cook Islands have been part of New Zealand since 1901. In 1965, the country gained autonomy but maintains a "free association" relationship with New Zealand. According to the constitution, both sides must consult on security, defense, and foreign policy matters.
Source: rfi
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1839705406108748/
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