US EditionUS in seabed mineral talks with Cook Islands
THE COOK ISLANDS, AUG 6 – The United States aims to counter China's growing Pacific influence by supporting seabed mineral research within the Cook Islands' Exclusive Economic Zone, where US firms lead exploration efforts.
- The US began talks with the Cook Islands on August 5, 2025, to support research on seabed mineral exploration within its Exclusive Economic Zone.
- These discussions follow the Cook Islands' earlier strategic partnership with China this year, which covered deep-sea mining but excluded security ties amid deteriorating New Zealand relations.
- The Cook Islands, which have been self-governing since 1965 and whose 15,040 residents held New Zealand citizenship as of 2021, are located roughly halfway along the oceanic route connecting New Zealand to Hawaii and contain significant deposits of polymetallic nodules.
- The US State Department announced that it has initiated talks with the Cook Islands to assist in research efforts aimed at guiding seabed exploration and ensuring its responsible development, highlighting the importance of seabed minerals.
- The talks suggest growing US interest in the Cook Islands' seabed resources amid global demand for critical minerals and increased Pacific influence concerns over China's expanding regional deals.
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US to Pursue Seabed Mining With Cook Islands After China Pact
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Total News Sources22
Leaning Left3Leaning Right2Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution44% Center
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources are Center
44% Center
L 33%
C 44%
R 22%
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