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.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Monday (4 May) that meteorological monitoring equipment at the Zaporizhzhia...
The steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art were transformed once again into the world's most prestigious runway for the 2026 Met Gala. This ye...
A blast at a fireworks factory in China's Hunan province has killed 21 people and injured 61, pro...
The UK is moving to join a €90 billion European Union loan scheme for Ukraine, with Prime Minister Ke...
The U.S. and Iran launched new attacks in the Gulf on Monday as they wrestled for control over the Strait o...
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Monday (4 May) that meteorological monitoring equipment at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in south-eastern Ukraine had been damaged by a drone.
The steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art were transformed once again into the world's most prestigious runway for the 2026 Met Gala. This year’s theme, 'Costume Art,' invited guests to explore the intersection of nature, history, and the surreal under the official dress code 'Fashion Is Art'.
A blast at a fireworks factory in China's Hunan province has killed 21 people and injured 61, prompting President Xi Jinping to call for a thorough investigation, state media reported on Tuesday.
The U.S. and Iran launched new attacks in the Gulf on Monday as they wrestled for control over the Strait of Hormuz with duelling maritime blockades, shaking a fragile ceasefire.
A 77-year-old man and a 63-year-old woman were killed on Monday (4 May), after a man drove a car into a crowd on a pedestrianised street in the the eastern German city of Leipzig, authorities said.
Iran warned Armerican forces on Monday (4 May) not to enter the Strait of Hormuz, after the U.S. said it had launched a mission to try and reopen the sea passage. Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister said there was no military solution to the Middle East conflict.
Ukraine has launched a new wave of drone strikes on Sunday (3 May) across Russia, hitting key infrastructure and causing casualties in several regions, officials on both sides said.
Medics are working to evacuate two people with symptoms of the deadly respiratory illness, hantavirus, from a luxury cruise ship being held off West Africa, after three people died and several others fell ill, officials have said.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to travel to the Vatican and Italy this week for a series of meetings, according to Italian media reports, in a visit that comes amid strained relations between Washington and parts of Europe and heightened tensions involving Pope Leo XIV.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Monday (4 May) that meteorological monitoring equipment at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in south-eastern Ukraine had been damaged by a drone.
A blast at a fireworks factory in China's Hunan province has killed 21 people and injured 61, prompting President Xi Jinping to call for a thorough investigation, state media reported on Tuesday.
The UK is moving to join a €90 billion European Union loan scheme for Ukraine, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer saying the benefits outweigh the costs, as he pushes for closer ties with Europe at a summit in Armenia this week.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced a ceasefire with Russia until Wednesday (6 May), after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a pause in hostilities on 8-9 May to mark the 81st anniversary of Soviet Russia’s victory over Nazi German in World War II.
A 77-year-old man and a 63-year-old woman were killed on Monday (4 May), after a man drove a car into a crowd on a pedestrianised street in the the eastern German city of Leipzig, authorities said.
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