The Cook Islands has signed a comprehensive strategic partnership with China, Prime Minister Mark Brown’s office confirmed on Saturday. The deal, finalised during Brown’s visit to Beijing, is expected to raise concerns in New Zealand, which has constitutional ties with the island nation.
Brown previously stated that his trip to China aimed to strengthen cooperation in infrastructure, trade, and economic development. However, New Zealand expressed unease over China’s growing influence in the Pacific and noted it had not been allowed to review the agreements ahead of Brown’s visit.
A spokesperson for Brown confirmed the signing but did not disclose details, saying a media statement would be issued later.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ office responded cautiously, stating that once the agreements are available, Wellington will review them in line with its interests and constitutional responsibilities.
The Cook Islands, though self-governing, receives budget support and defence commitments from New Zealand. While it can engage internationally as an independent state, Wellington remains a key partner.
During his visit, Brown has also discussed marine science, climate resilience, and economic cooperation with Chinese institutions, he said in a Facebook post.
Ship traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait fell to its lowest level in months on Sunday after Yemen's Houthi movement attacked Saudi oil facilities...
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's approval rating has fallen to 51.1% in July 2026, according to a new poll, with growing concern over the count...
Oil prices have fallen more than six per cent as a pause in U.S.-Iran hostilities eased fears of wider supply disruption around the Gulf....
Russian authorities said 11 people, including four children, had been killed by Ukraine in an overnight attack on a holiday camp, accusing Kyiv on Saturday of deliberately targeting civilians.
Iran will halt its own attacks as long as the United States maintains its pause on strikes, but Tehran remains sceptical of U.S. intentions, a senior Iranian source told on Sunday.
Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called on Saturday for Russia and Ukraine to freeze the conflict and return to peace talks, saying a negotiated settlement remained possible despite the entrenched positions of both sides.
Marvel Studios used its return to San Diego Comic-Con to reveal several major projects, including a new Ghost Rider film starring Ryan Gosling and the long-awaited Black Panther 3.
U.S. President Donald Trump says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit Washington next week as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's approval rating has fallen to 51.1% in July 2026, according to a new poll, with growing concern over the country's economic situation emerging as the main driver of declining public support.
Tehran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned of retaliation, after a Ukrainian attack on an Iranian commercial ship in the Caspian Sea killed a sailor on Saturday.
Officials in Russia and Ukraine reported new civilian casualties on Monday after a series of air attacks hit cities on both sides of the war
Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol has been given a suspended 18-month prison sentence after being found guilty of violating election law during his 2022 presidential campaign.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 27th of July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment