The US has struck a partnership agreement with Pacific island nations amid concern in Washington over growing Chinese influence.
It also announced $810m (£725m) in financial support and said it would recognise Niue and Cook Islands as sovereign states.
Fourteen nations signed the deal including the Solomon Islands, after reports said its leader would not sign.
The region has strategic importance as the gateway to Asia from the Pacific.
Its location and its need for assistance, particularly to help it deal with the impact of climate change, has triggered a battle for influence - with China keen on playing a prominent role.
In June Beijing proposed a sweeping trade and security deal with 10 countries in the region. But it was shelved after many of the countries declined to sign.
