Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown will visit China from February 10 to 14, marking the first visit by a leader of the island nation in a decade. Brown aims to expand economic opportunities, discussing trade, climate, investment, and infrastructure while maintaining national sovereignty.
The visit comes as China increases its influence in the Pacific, following concerns from some island nations over U.S. President Donald Trump’s foreign aid freeze, migration policies, and withdrawal from the Paris Agreement.
Brown described the trip as part of a broader strategy to strengthen relations with New Zealand, Australia, and China, ensuring Cook Islands’ economic and strategic interests remain a priority.
The Cook Islands, an independent nation in free association with New Zealand, controls its domestic and foreign affairs but relies on New Zealand for defense and emergency assistance. The nation has 15,000 residents, with nearly 100,000 Cook Island Maori living in New Zealand.
During the visit, Brown said a joint action plan for comprehensive strategic partnership with China will be finalized, though details remain unclear. New Zealand has urged consultation on agreements that may have strategic or security implications.
In December, the Cook Islands’ proposal to introduce its own passports was rejected by New Zealand, though discussions on full independence remain open.
The Academy Awards nominations have been announced, with the crime drama Sinners leading the race securing a record 16 nominations ahe...
A widening conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel has triggered escalating military strikes across the Middle East, disrupted shippi...
Two Indian-flagged tankers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, carrying 92,700 metric tons of liquefied petrole...
A long-running investigation has suggested that the street artist known as Banksy may be legally named David Jo...
A sandstorm swept across the Gaza Strip on Saturday, worsening conditions for displaced civilians already livin...
The Academy Awards nominations have been announced, with the crime drama Sinners leading the race securing a record 16 nominations ahead of the ceremony set for 15 March. The event, which honours the film industry’s top achievements over the past year, will be hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien.
A widening conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel has triggered escalating military strikes across the Middle East, disrupted shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz and raised concerns over global energy supplies. This live report tracks the latest developments.
Two Indian-flagged tankers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, carrying 92,700 metric tons of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), are en route to India despite disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz caused by the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, the Indian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday (14 March).
A long-running investigation has suggested that the street artist known as Banksy may be legally named David Jones. A report indicates that Jones was previously known as Robin Gunningham, a name long associated with Banksy, before legally changing his name several years ago.
Israel and Iran continued to exchange strikes on Friday (13 March), as the U.S. and French militaries reported deaths in Iraq, and the U.N. launched a $325 million appeal to help Lebanon, where a seventh of the population have left their homes since fighting began.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued veiled threats to Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, and Hezbollah on Thursday (12 March), during his first press conference since the conflict with Iran began.
A long-running investigation has suggested that the street artist known as Banksy may be legally named David Jones. A report indicates that Jones was previously known as Robin Gunningham, a name long associated with Banksy, before legally changing his name several years ago.
A widening conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel has triggered escalating military strikes across the Middle East, disrupted shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz and raised concerns over global energy supplies. This live report tracks the latest developments.
Ayman Ghazali, a 41-year-old U.S. citizen born in Lebanon, crashed his truck into the hallway of a Detroit-area synagogue on Thursday (12 March) while children attended preschool. Security personnel shot him dead during the confrontation, and authorities said no one else was seriously injured.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Saturday (14 March) that many countries are interested in purchasing Russian oil after the United States temporarily eased sanctions on certain exports.
An explosion lightly damaged a Jewish school in Amsterdam early on Saturday (14 March) in what the city’s mayor described as “a deliberate attack against the Jewish community.”
Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery and a key port in Russia’s southern Krasnodar region overnight (13-14 March), local authorities said, causing injuries and damage. In separate action, Russian air attacks on Ukrainian territory killed and wounded civilians near Kyiv, officials reported.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 13rd of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
North Korea fired what appeared to be a ballistic missile on Saturday (14 March), Japanese and South Korean officials said. The development comes amid the joint annual U.S.-South Korea "Freedom Shield" military drills and South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok's visit to Washington.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment