Latest news with #US-linked
West Australian
2 days ago
- Business
- West Australian
US starts seabed mineral talks with the Cook Islands
The United States has begun talks with the Cook Islands for research on seabed mineral exploration and development, the US State Department says. The Cook Islands lie halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii and are made up of 15 islands and atolls. Western nations that traditionally held sway in the Pacific Islands have become increasingly concerned about China's plans to increase influence after Beijing signed defence, trade and financial deals with Pacific countries in recent years. "The Government of the United States of America has begun discussions with the Government of the Cook Islands to support the research necessary to inform seabed exploration and responsible development within the Cook Islands' Exclusive Economic Zone," the State Department said in a statement. US-linked firms "sit at the forefront" of deep seabed mineral research and exploration in the Cook Islands, it said. In June, New Zealand suspended millions of dollars in budget funding to the Cook Islands after its prime minister signed partnership agreements with China without consulting Wellington. Those agreements committed them to deepening co-operation in seabed mining as well as education, the economy, infrastructure, fisheries and disaster management. On Wednesday, New Zealand's foreign ministry said it was aware of the new arrangement with the US and respected "the rights and responsibilities of states to manage their mineral resources". The Cook Islands were within New Zealand's borders from 1901. In 1965, the country became self-governing but in free association with New Zealand. The constitutional ties require the two countries to consult on security, defence and foreign policy.
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Business
- Perth Now
US starts seabed mineral talks with the Cook Islands
The United States has begun talks with the Cook Islands for research on seabed mineral exploration and development, the US State Department says. The Cook Islands lie halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii and are made up of 15 islands and atolls. Western nations that traditionally held sway in the Pacific Islands have become increasingly concerned about China's plans to increase influence after Beijing signed defence, trade and financial deals with Pacific countries in recent years. "The Government of the United States of America has begun discussions with the Government of the Cook Islands to support the research necessary to inform seabed exploration and responsible development within the Cook Islands' Exclusive Economic Zone," the State Department said in a statement. US-linked firms "sit at the forefront" of deep seabed mineral research and exploration in the Cook Islands, it said. In June, New Zealand suspended millions of dollars in budget funding to the Cook Islands after its prime minister signed partnership agreements with China without consulting Wellington. Those agreements committed them to deepening co-operation in seabed mining as well as education, the economy, infrastructure, fisheries and disaster management. On Wednesday, New Zealand's foreign ministry said it was aware of the new arrangement with the US and respected "the rights and responsibilities of states to manage their mineral resources". The Cook Islands were within New Zealand's borders from 1901. In 1965, the country became self-governing but in free association with New Zealand. The constitutional ties require the two countries to consult on security, defence and foreign policy.
Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
US in seabed mineral talks with Cook Islands
Western nations that traditionally held sway in the Pacific Islands have become increasingly concerned about China's plans to increase influence after Beijing signed defence, trade and financial deals with Pacific countries in recent years. Earlier this year, a strategic partnership deal between China and the Cook Islands was signed. It spanned areas from deep-sea mining to education scholarships but excluded security ties. "The Government of the United States of America has begun discussions with the Government of the Cook Islands to support the research necessary to inform seabed exploration and responsible development within the Cook Islands' Exclusive Economic Zone," the State Department said in a statement on Tuesday. US-linked firms "sit at the forefront" of deep seabed mineral research and exploration in the Cook Islands, it said. The Cook Islands was within the New Zealand borders from 1901. In 1965, it became self governing but in free association with New Zealand. It has its own government and Britain's King Charles III is its head of state. Cook Islanders have New Zealand citizenship and passports. They have the same rights as a New Zealander such as the ability to work, go to school and use the medical system. In June, New Zealand suspended millions of dollars in budget funding to the Cook Islands as the relationship continued to deteriorate amid the island group's deepening ties with China.
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
US says it has started seabed mineral talks with the Cook Islands
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Polymetallic nodules encrusted with coveted metals like cobalt, nickel and manganese seen onboard the research vessel MV Anuanua Moana in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. WASHINGTON - The US has begun talks with the Cook Islands for research on seabed minerals exploration and development, the State Department said on Aug 5. The Cook Islands, which had a population of 15,040 in 2021, lie halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii and are made up of 15 islands and atolls. Western nations that traditionally held sway in the region have become increasingly concerned about China's plans to increase influence after Beijing signed defense, trade and financial deals with Pacific countries in recent years. Earlier this year, China and the Cook Islands signed a strategic partnership deal, which spans areas from deep-sea mining to education scholarships but excluded security ties. "The Government of the United States of America has begun discussions with the Government of the Cook Islands to support the research necessary to inform seabed exploration and responsible development within the Cook Islands' Exclusive Economic Zone," the US Statement Department said in a statement. US-linked firms "sit at the forefront" of deep seabed mineral research and exploration in the Cook Islands, it said. The Cook Islands was within the New Zealand borders from 1901. In 1965, it became self governing but in free association with New Zealand. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Morning commute disrupted as delays on East-West MRT Line persist after more than 3 hours Singapore Hidden vapes and where to find them: Inside ICA's clampdown at land checkpoints Singapore Sorting recyclables by material could boost low domestic recycling rate: Observers Singapore SM Lee receives Australia's highest civilian honour for advancing bilateral ties Asia Trump's sharp India criticism corners Modi as rift deepens Singapore More train rides taken in first half-year, but overall public transport use stays below 2019 levels Singapore BlueSG needs time to develop software, refresh fleet, say ex-insiders after winding-down news Asia Cambodia-Thailand border clash a setback for Asean: Vivian Balakrishnan It has its own government, and King Charles III is its head of state. Cook Islanders have New Zealand citizenship and passports. They have the same rights as a New Zealander such as the ability to work, go to school and use the medical system. In June, New Zealand suspended millions of dollars in budget funding to the Cook Islands as the relationship continued to deteriorate amid the island group's deepening ties with China. REUTERS
Time of India
31-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Donald Trump Tariffs News Live Updates: India braces for 25% tariffs plus penalty for Russia trade; 6 Indian companies face US sanctions for oil purchase
11:00 (IST) Jul 31 India caught in US-Iran crossfire: Trump administation orders sanctions against 6 companies over oil trade; $220 million worth of deals under scanner The US has sanctioned six Indian companies for allegedly engaging in significant petroleum and petrochemical trade with Iran, in violation of American sanctions. The firms include Alchemical Solutions, Global Industrial Chemicals, Jupiter Dye Chem, Ramniklal S Gosalia and Company, Persistent Petrochem, and Kanchan Polymers. Alchemical Solutions faces the largest allegation, with imports of Iranian petrochemical goods worth over $84 million in 2024. The sanctions freeze any US-linked assets and prohibit American entities from conducting business with these firms. The action is part of a broader enforcement against 20 global entities under the US's "maximum pressure" strategy on Iran. Companies may appeal their designation to the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control.
