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.
Massive crowds are gathering in the streets of Tehran on Monday for the funeral procession of Iran's slain former supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, as ...
Pakistan is seeking fresh Turkish investment after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan agreed to deepen economic coopera...
Burglars have stolen jewellery worth several million euros in a lightning raid on the Musée Lalique in eastern France, less than a year after a high-...
Massive crowds are gathering in the streets of Tehran on Monday for the funeral procession of Iran's slain former supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, as part of a week-long farewell. His son and designated successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, has yet to make a public appearance.
Burglars have stolen jewellery worth several million euros in a lightning raid on the Musée Lalique in eastern France, less than a year after a high-profile theft at the Louvre Museum.
The 30 June edition of AnewZ's Daybreak explored the growing strategic importance of the Middle Corridor, focusing on Georgia's deepening partnership with Kazakhstan and the wider effort to strengthen connectivity between Europe, the South Caucasus and Central Asia.
The 30 June edition of AnewZ's Prime Time explored the fragile ceasefire between Iran and the U.S., as conflicting statements about possible talks in Doha fuelled uncertainty over the future of negotiations.
The death toll from Venezuela's devastating twin earthquakes has risen to 3,342, according to the country's information ministry, as rescue teams continue searching affected areas and survivors face an uncertain recovery.
Mexico's national football team has returned luxury Rolex watches gifted by American content creator Stevewilldoit after concerns that they could conflict with FIFA's ethics rules.
Governments are tightening restrictions on teenagers’ use of social media amid growing concerns over mental health, online safety and platform design, but questions remain over enforcement and whether bans can meaningfully change behaviour.
President Donald Trump said Iran is keen to reach a deal with the United States, claiming Washington had paused engagement to allow funeral ceremonies for late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Thousands of mourners gathered in Tehran on Sunday as Iran held funeral prayers for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and four members of his family on the second day of mass processions. Three of Khamenei's sons attended the ceremony, while his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, made no public appearance.
Two senior United Nations officials arrived in Kabul on Sunday to assess the needs of Afghan returnees, as Afghanistan's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation said nearly six million people had returned since 2023.
Heavy monsoon rains triggered deadly landslides at Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh, killing at least eight people, including children, and forcing authorities to evacuate residents from high-risk areas early on Monday.
NATO leaders meet in Ankara this week at a pivotal moment for the Alliance. While Ukraine remains its foremost military challenge, Europe's rearmament, Middle East instability and pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump are reshaping NATO's priorities.
The United States has confirmed that a previously delayed troop rotation to Poland will resume within weeks, reassuring Warsaw after months of uncertainty over the future of the American military presence in the country.
Maritime trade between Iran and Qatar has resumed after a suspension of around five months, according to Iran's commercial attaché in Doha. Shipping between the two countries restarted following coordination between Iranian and Qatari authorities.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment