A Tiny Pacific Paradise Is Gaming the U.S.-China Rivalry Over Minerals
December 29th, 2025
Via the Wall Street Journal, a look at how the Cook Islands—population 15,000—are being courted by two superpowers as they hunt for rare earths, and could stand to reap the benefits: In October, a U.S. research vessel arrived in this remote South Pacific nation to capture high-definition images of the seafloor. A few weeks later, […]
Read more »US to Pursue Seabed Mining With Cook Islands After China Pact
August 10th, 2025
Via Bloomberg, a report on U.S. plans to explore seabed mining with the Cook Islands: The US has entered talks with the Cook Islands to develop seabed mineral resources. The arrangement will include joint efforts to map the Cook Islands’ Exclusive Economic Zone, which is “one of the most promising regions for deep-sea mineral deposits,” […]
Read more »China Set To Extend Reach in South Pacific with Cook Islands Deal
February 14th, 2025
Via The Washington Post, commentary on the recent agreement between China and the Cook Islands: China and the South Pacific nation of the Cook Islands are poised to sign a comprehensive strategic partnership deal on Friday, raising alarm that Beijing is extending its reach into the region in ways that could have security and environmental consequences. […]
Read more »Focusing primarily on The New Seven Sisters - the largely state owned petroleum companies from the emerging world that have become key players in the oil & gas industry as identified by Carola Hoyos, Chief Energy Correspondent for The Financial Times - but spanning other nascent opportunities around the globe that may hold potential in the years ahead, Wildcats & Black Sheep is a place for the adventurous to contemplate & evaluate the emerging markets of tomorrow.