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.
North Korea has urged the United States to abandon military threats if it is concerned about its mainland security, state media KCNA reported on Saturday. The statement follows U.S. assessments of North Korea’s ICBM capability to reach American territory.
Cyclone Zelia is weakening as it moves south, but not before battering Western Australia’s Pilbara coast with wind gusts of up to 290 kph (180 mph) and heavy rain. Authorities are now assessing the damage, reopening roads and ports, and warning of ongoing flood risks.
The Trump administration’s early approach to ending the Ukraine war has left allies and analysts uncertain, as conflicting statements from top officials raise questions about its negotiation strategy with Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Ukraine has little chance of surviving Russia’s assault without U.S. support. His remarks come after phone calls between U.S. President Donald Trump, Zelensky, and Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week.
U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled that auto tariffs could take effect on April 2, adding to a series of trade actions since his return to office. The move targets foreign vehicle imports as part of his push to reshape global trade and boost U.S. manufacturing.
A U.S. citizen has been detained in Russia after customs officials allegedly discovered cannabis-infused marmalade in his luggage. The arrest follows a recent prisoner swap between Moscow and Washington, which was seen as a step towards improved diplomatic relations.
Jannik Sinner has accepted a three-month ban in a settlement with WADA, concluding a doping case that had been under scrutiny for nearly a year. The ruling allows the world’s top-ranked player to compete in upcoming Grand Slam tournaments, including the French Open.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that Ukraine would not accept any peace deal made without its involvement, as European leaders reaffirmed their support and pledged increased military and economic aid to strengthen Kyiv’s position against Russia.
The iconic Dubai Fountain will close for five months starting in May for a major upgrade, enhancing its technology, choreography, and sound system. Visitors can expect a more spectacular show when it returns in October.
Apple is reportedly working on a version of AirPods Pro with integrated cameras, set to launch as early as 2027, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. While the cameras won’t be featured in the upcoming AirPods Pro 3, the new tech aims to enhance AI-driven features and spatial audio integration.
Public sector strikes are causing major disruptions across Germany, including halted public transport in Frankfurt, as workers demand higher pay and better conditions.
Elon Musk has called for the shutdown of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and Voice of America (VOA), arguing that the U.S.-funded media outlets serve as government propaganda tools and waste taxpayer money.
Russian President has invited his U.S. counterpart, along with leaders from many other countries to Moscow in May to attend the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, which Russians refer to as the "Great Patriotic War."
A U.S. citizen has been detained in Russia after customs officials allegedly discovered cannabis-infused marmalade in his luggage. The arrest follows a recent prisoner swap between Moscow and Washington, which was seen as a step towards improved diplomatic relations.
Jannik Sinner has accepted a three-month ban in a settlement with WADA, concluding a doping case that had been under scrutiny for nearly a year. The ruling allows the world’s top-ranked player to compete in upcoming Grand Slam tournaments, including the French Open.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that Ukraine would not accept any peace deal made without its involvement, as European leaders reaffirmed their support and pledged increased military and economic aid to strengthen Kyiv’s position against Russia.
At least 23 people were killed when a truck carrying passengers and goods overturned in the northern Nigerian city of Kano. The driver lost control, causing the truck to plunge into an underpass in the Hotoro district on Thursday night.
Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan met US secretary of state Marco Rubio at the Munich Security Conference. They discussed trade, defence ties, Ukraine, and Gaza. Fidan stressed Türkiye’s stance on counterterrorism and the need for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.
A U.S. citizen has been detained in Russia after customs officials allegedly discovered cannabis-infused marmalade in his luggage. The arrest follows a recent prisoner swap between Moscow and Washington, which was seen as a step towards improved diplomatic relations.
Jannik Sinner has accepted a three-month ban in a settlement with WADA, concluding a doping case that had been under scrutiny for nearly a year. The ruling allows the world’s top-ranked player to compete in upcoming Grand Slam tournaments, including the French Open.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that Ukraine would not accept any peace deal made without its involvement, as European leaders reaffirmed their support and pledged increased military and economic aid to strengthen Kyiv’s position against Russia.
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