Countering China at Sea: Inside America’s Cook Islands Play

Countering China at Sea: Inside America’s Cook Islands Play

Why America’s New Partnership with the Cook Islands is a Win-Win: “Happy Te Maeva Nui!”—a cheerful phrase that echoed across the Cook Islands as the nation celebrated 60 years of independence with reed dances, float parades, and choir performances. For a week, Kapa Rima dancers and the sound of long log drums filled the streets, offering a visceral reminder of the country’s historical journey. The US Plays a Role in the Celebration However, the …