What is the Cook Islands deal with China, and why is it spooking NZ?

WELLINGTON, Feb 20 — 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...

Double standard? NZ criticises Cook Islands' China deal while backing US ties

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon rejects suggestions of a double standard in New Zealand’s stance on the Cook Islands' partnerships with the United States (US) and China. On 18 February, the Cook Islands government released a controversial...

What is the Cook Islands deal with China and what has worried NZ?

World World What is the Cook Islands deal with China and what has worried NZ? Close The Cook Islands are a group of 15 small islands and atolls rich in seabed mineral resources Published On: Wed, 19 Feb 2025 12:39:25 PKT WELLINGTON (Reuters) –...

Deal promises strong future for Cook Islands - PM

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says a comprehensive strategic deal with China will catalyse growth for his government, the country’s private sector, and the Cook Islands' citizens. Brown and his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang formalised the...

Explainer: What is the Cook Islands deal with China and what has worried New Zealand?

WELLINGTON - 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...

NZ must ‘reset’ ties with Cook Islands: minister

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters yesterday said that his country must “reset” its relationship with the Cook Islands government after its Pacific neighbor signed agreements with China without consultation. In a speech to the Pacific...

NZ ‘in the dark’ over agreements between Cook Islands and China

New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters says that despite the Cook Islands releasing its action plan with China, Aotearoa remains “in the dark” about the details of the agreements. Speaking at the Pacific Island...

Explainer-What is the Cook Islands deal with China and what has worried NZ?

By Lucy Craymer WELLINGTON (Reuters) – 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...

New Zealand must ‘reset’ Cook Islands ties after China pact: Foreign Minister

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters also addressed tensions with Kiribati after its government cancelled a planned visit.PHOTO: REUTERS WELLINGTON - New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said on Feb 19 that his country must “reset”...

NZ must 'reset' relationship with Cook Islands: Peters

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said today the country must “reset” its relationship with the Cook Islands government after its Pacific neighbour signed agreements with China without consultation. In a speech to the Pacific Island...

'Reset' needed with Cook Islands, Winston Peters says

Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown. Photo: RNZ/Pacific Islands Forum/123RF 'Reset' with Cook Islands needed Kiribati stoush acknowledged, meeting with the president for 'meaningful dialogue' in the coming...

New Zealand must ‘reset’ Cook Islands ties after China pact, foreign minister says

By Christine Chen (Reuters) - 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....

Hundreds protest as Cook Islands PM faces no confidence vote

Hundreds of Cook Islanders gathered outside the parliament in Avarua to protest the government's new strategic partnership with China and plans for a Cook Islands passport. Prime Minister Mark Brown has been forced to defend the deal, which the...

Iro, Fua appointed to key Cook Islands Investment Corporation boards

Elizabeth Iro has been appointed to Te Aponga Uira (TAU) Board, effective 1 January 2025. WHO/25021612 Former health secretary Elizabeth Iro has been appointed to Te Aponga Uira (TAU) Board, effective 1 January 2025, announced the Cook Islands...

Absentee landownership: Crossroads for Cook Islands

The Cook Islands, celebrated for its vibrant traditions and pristine landscapes, is facing a challenging issue tied to its most treasured resource—land. While land has long been regarded as a symbol of identity, heritage, and family in local...

Why Australia Should be Watching New Zealand and Cook Islands Closely

Australia’s reliance on bilateral security agreements as a counter to China’s growing influence in the Pacific is proving short-sighted, as Cook Islands’ engagement with Beijing demonstrates. To secure enduring regional partnerships, Australia...

Uncertainty as Cook Islands PM returns from China deal

Questions remain unanswered about the freshly inked Cook Islands agreement with China, raising the ire of the Cook Islands public, political opposition, and New Zealand officials. Cook lslands Prime Minister Mark Brown is due to return from China...

Is U.S diplomatic recognition of Cook Islands and Niue in question?

By Michael Walsh U.S President Donald Trump recently announced that he intends to nominate Jared Novelly to serve as the U.S Ambassador to New Zealand. One of the questions that begs is whether the Trump administration will continue to extend...

‘Serious questions’: Cook Islands opposition challenges China partnership

The Cook Islands government has defended its new partnership agreement with China, but the opposition is demanding transparency and accountability over the deal. Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has emphasised its alignment with national...

Why Cook Islands' deal with China for closer relations matters in the geopolitics of the Pacific

The Cook Islands has signed an agreement to expand relations with China. Prime Minister Mark Brown said he signed an “action plan for the comprehensive strategic partnership” with Chinese Premier Li Qiang during a five-day state visit to China,...