WELLINGTON, Feb 20 — A new comprehensive partnership agreement between the Cook Islands and China has sparked concerns in New Zealand, which has a close constitutional relationship with the small Pacific nation.
WELLINGTON, Feb 20 — A new comprehensive partnership agreement between the Cook Islands and China has sparked concerns in New Zealand, which has a close constitutional relationship with the small Pacific nation.
What is the Cook Islands' Status?
The Cook Islands, a group of 15 islands in the Pacific, has been in free association with New Zealand since 1965. Its citizens hold New Zealand passports, allowing access to healthcare, education, and job opportunities. While it has an independent foreign policy, security and defense matters require consultation with New Zealand.
What’s in the China-Cook Islands Agreement?
Signed by Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, the deal covers cooperation in education, infrastructure, fisheries, disaster management, and seabed mining. It does not include debt or explicit security ties but strengthens hydrography and geospatial research, which have military applications. Several additional memorandums of understanding were signed but have not been made public.
Why is New Zealand Concerned?
New Zealand has raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the agreements. With China expanding its influence in the Pacific, New Zealand, Australia, and the U.S. have been pushing back by increasing their regional funding and partnerships. However, New Zealand’s financial resources cannot match China’s. The Cook Islands’ push for more autonomy, including issuing its own passports and seeking UN membership (which New Zealand opposes), adds to the tension. The new agreement states that China will support the Cook Islands’ international aspirations, potentially widening the rift.
China’s Interests
The Cook Islands holds vast untapped seabed mineral resources, crucial for tech and clean energy industries. While Chinese companies currently lack exploration licenses, the agreement suggests future cooperation in this sector. Additionally, China is strengthening its influence in Pacific organizations, and the Cook Islands could be a key ally in multilateral forums.
What’s at Stake for the Cook Islands?
Stronger ties with China could bring economic benefits, including tourism and investment in seabed mining. However, tensions with New Zealand could lead to a constitutional referendum. Recent protests in the capital, Avarua, have supported maintaining ties with New Zealand, and a no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Brown is scheduled after February 25.
Opposition leader Tina Browne questioned the risk of damaging ties with New Zealand, stating, “Why are we risking this relationship?” — Reuters
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