New Zealand has suspended NZ$18.2 million (U.S. $10.8 million) in budget funding to the Cook Islands amid growing tensions over the island nation’s deepening ties with China and concerns over a lack of transparency.
New Zealand halted core sector support funding for the Cook Islands for 2025-26, citing the need for a high-trust bilateral relationship that has been strained by the Cook Islands’ increasing partnership with China.
The suspension follows concerns over inadequate consultation on agreements the Cook Islands signed with Beijing, particularly in areas excluding security cooperation.
New Zealand demands concrete steps to restore trust before resuming financial support. The move comes amid Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s visit to China, where he is expected to raise issues about China’s growing influence in the Pacific.
The Cook Islands affirmed its commitment to repairing relations with New Zealand and reiterated the longstanding partnership on security and defence.
Experts warn that using aid as leverage could backfire by pushing Pacific nations closer to China.
California lawmakers have fast-tracked a redistricting plan giving Democrats a potential five-seat gain in Congress, with Governor Gavin Newsom signin...
The U.S. National Guard has been deployed across Washington, D.C. following President Trump’s declaration of a public safety emergency, as federal a...
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The U.S. State Department confirmed that all 55 million visa holders are under continuous review, with potential revocations for security or legal vio...
Adidas executives personally visited a small Indigenous town in southern Mexico to apologize for a shoe design criticised as cultural appropriation, p...
California lawmakers have fast-tracked a redistricting plan giving Democrats a potential five-seat gain in Congress, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing the measure on Thursday to counter Republican efforts in Texas.
The U.S. National Guard has been deployed across Washington, D.C. following President Trump’s declaration of a public safety emergency, as federal authorities continue efforts to reduce crime and secure the capital.
Adidas executives personally visited a small Indigenous town in southern Mexico to apologize for a shoe design criticised as cultural appropriation, pledging future collaboration to respect local heritage.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
Honduras has brought back mask mandates as COVID-19 cases and a new variant surge nationwide.
Kuwait says oil prices will likely stay below $72 per barrel as OPEC monitors global supply trends and U.S. policy signals. The remarks come during market uncertainty fueled by new U.S. tariffs on India and possible sanctions on Russia.
California lawmakers have fast-tracked a redistricting plan giving Democrats a potential five-seat gain in Congress, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing the measure on Thursday to counter Republican efforts in Texas.
The U.S. National Guard has been deployed across Washington, D.C. following President Trump’s declaration of a public safety emergency, as federal authorities continue efforts to reduce crime and secure the capital.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised troops who fought for Russia in Ukraine, calling them "heroic" during a ceremony honoring soldiers of the army's overseas operations.
The U.S. State Department confirmed that all 55 million visa holders are under continuous review, with potential revocations for security or legal violations.
Bangladesh and Pakistan have agreed to allow visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic and official passports, marking a major step in restoring relations after decades of restrictions.
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