Top Asian News 11:22 a.m. GMT

The US is set to open embassies in the Cook Islands and Niue as Biden hosts a Pacific leaders summit

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is set to announce the opening of new U.S. embassies on Cook Islands and Niue on Monday as the Democratic administration aims to demonstrate to Pacific Island leaders that it remains committed to increasing American presence in the region. The announcement about the new diplomatic missions in the South Pacific comes as Biden prepares to welcome leaders to Washington for the two-day U.S.-Pacific Island Forum Summit. Talks are expected to heavily focus on the impact of climate change in the region. Biden has put a premium on improving relations in the Pacific amid rising U.S.