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U.S. Prioritizes Cook Islands Mineral Extraction Amid China Competition

7/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Ambassador Jared Novelly said securing critical minerals from the Cook Islands seabed is a top priority.
In February, United States and the Cook Islands signed a critical-mineral framework while islands signed a seabed pact with China.
Novelly warned that China’s expanding Pacific presence creates debt-trap risks and urged New Zealand to raise defence spending.
He said U.S. firms will assist extraction and the United States will explore lowering Pacific remittance costs.

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Story summary

U.S. Ambassador Jared Novelly said securing critical minerals from the Cook Islands seabed is a top priority.
In February, United States and the Cook Islands signed a critical-mineral framework while islands signed a seabed pact with China.
Novelly warned that China’s expanding Pacific presence creates debt-trap risks and urged New Zealand to raise defence spending.
He said U.S. firms will assist extraction and the United States will explore lowering Pacific remittance costs.