China, Cook Islands and New Zealand

Explainer-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 public quarrel between New Zealand and the Cook Islands — which share a passport, a military and constitutional ties — is a victory for Beijing.
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 PM pledges to release details of China deal
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown said he would release soon the full details of a comprehensive strategic partnership deal signed between China and his country, which has raised concerns in New Zealand with which it has constitutional ties.
Cook Islands’ China deal 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 nation’s government showed.
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 Unveils Details of China Deal, Provoking Diplomatic Tensions with New Zealand
Cook Islands discloses its China deal, stirring diplomatic tensions with New Zealand over seabed mineral cooperation and geopolitical influence.
NZ concerns: Is Cook Islands-China deal shipshape?
A $3m ship deal is among the early examples of how a polarising pact between the Asian superpower and a Pacific partner will bear fruit
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 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 Diplomat10h
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.
Cook Islands prime minister discusses marine, climate and economics in China visit
Cook Islands' Prime Minister Mark Brown said on Thursday he had held discussions with institutions on marine science, climate ...
Associated Press8d
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.