The Cook Islands have entered into a strategic partnership deal with China that covers areas such as deep-sea mining, education scholarships, trade, infrastructure, and ocean resources. However, the deal excludes security ties. The move has raised concerns among Western nations about China’s growing influence in the region. New Zealand, which has not been consulted despite constitutional ties, has expressed concerns about the lack of transparency and the potential implications of the deal on its relationship with the Cook Islands.
Prime Minister Mark Brown assured that the partnership with China does not replace existing relationships with New Zealand and Australia but rather complements them. However, opposition parties in the Cook Islands have raised concerns about the threat the deal poses to the country’s close ties with New Zealand.
Despite criticism, the government of the Cook Islands has defended the partnership with China, highlighting the economic benefits it offers. China will provide a one-time grant of about $4 million to the nation as part of the deal.
New Zealand has raised concerns about the lack of consultation and transparency in the agreements signed between the Cook Islands and China. The two countries have committed to consulting on security, defense, and foreign relations, with New Zealand providing budget support and committing to defending the people of the Cook Islands.
Areas of cooperation outlined in the pact include seabed mining, hydrography, disaster relief, and cultural ties. While the deal does not explicitly mention security, concerns have been raised about the potential for increased maritime cooperation leading to militarization. The pact also mentions China’s support for the Cook Islands’ aspirations to widen its membership in global bodies.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
