China, Cook Islands

What is the Cook Islands deal with China and what has worried NZ?
Growing ties between Cook Islands and China, including a new comprehensive partnership agreement action plan detailed this week, have raised concerns in New Zealand, which has a close constitutional relationship with its tiny Pacific neighbour.
Cook Islands gives some detail of its China deal that has upset close partner New Zealand
The South Pacific country of Cook Islands has unveiled the details of a deal with China to boost cooperation after the pact provoked a rare diplomatic clash with the nation’s chief benefactor, New Zealand,
Cook Islands signs strategic agreement with China
The tiny Pacific nation’s partnership agreement with China was signed amid a furious diplomatic row with New Zealand, its former colonial ruler.
New Zealand must ‘reset’ Cook Islands ties after China pact, foreign minister says
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said on Wednesday his country must “reset” its relationship with the Cook Islands government after its Pacific neighbour signed agreements with China without consultation.
Cook Islands, China Pact Sparks Diplomatic Tensions with New Zealand
The Cook Islands has announced a controversial deal with China focusing on seabed mineral cooperation, stirring tensions with New Zealand—its key ally. The pact, lacking concrete security initiatives,
Cook Islands and China sign partnership agreement amid transparency and security concerns
"The public deserves to know if there are any debt obligations, resource access clauses, or strategic commitments involved."
Cook Islands deal with China on economy, seabed mining spurs protest
A strategic partnership deal between China and the Cook Islands spans areas from deep-sea mining to education scholarships but excludes security ties, a document released by the Pacific island nation's government showed.
Cook Islands' New Partnership with China Stirs New Zealand Concerns
The Cook Islands' new partnership agreement with China is causing concern in New Zealand. This Pacific nation, which maintains a free association with New Zealand, seeks more autonomy, potentially edging closer to China.
Cook Islands Says Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Deal Signed With China
The Cook Islands said on Saturday that it signed a comprehensive strategic partnership deal with China - a move expected to raise concerns in New Zealand with which it has constitutional ties. The deal was signed by Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown during a visit to Beijing.
The Diplomat6h
Cook Islands’ China Shock: A ‘Frog in the Pot’ Moment for Pacific Security
Cook Islands deal has implications for Pacific security, but particularly for New Zealand, the United States, and Australia.
Anadolu Ajansi3h
Cook Islands ‘always free to choose’ to be independent: New Zealand
Cook Islands is “always free to choose” to be independent of New Zealand, Foreign Minister Winston Peters said Wednesday. The ...
Winston Peters calls for ‘reset’ of relationship with Cook Islands - but how?
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has called for a “reset” of New Zealand’s relationship with the Cook Islands. In a speech to the Pacific Island Political Science Association in Wellington on Wednesday ...
Associated Press9d
China says a visit by Cook Islands’ prime minister isn’t meant to antagonize others in South Pacific
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown speaks during a plenary ...
Watch: Cook Islanders march in Avarua against Mark Brown government
More than 400 people took to the streets a day after the prime minister returned from China, where he signed a strategic partnership deal.