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.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov landed in North Korea, marking another step in the growing strategic partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang....
In a show of diplomatic unity, Italian and French foreign ministers met in Rome to address global crises, calling for urgent ceasefires and coordinate...
President Donald Trump toured flood-hit areas in Texas and expanded federal disaster assistance to eight more counties....
Washington and Ottawa are once again at odds, as President Trump unveils a sharp new tariff on Canadian goods—citing drug trafficking and trade disp...
France recorded over 100 drowning deaths in just one month — a 58% rise from last year — as unusually high temperatures drove more people to water...
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov landed in North Korea, marking another step in the growing strategic partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang.
In a show of diplomatic unity, Italian and French foreign ministers met in Rome to address global crises, calling for urgent ceasefires and coordinated support on Ukraine, Gaza, and Iran.
President Donald Trump toured flood-hit areas in Texas and expanded federal disaster assistance to eight more counties.
Washington and Ottawa are once again at odds, as President Trump unveils a sharp new tariff on Canadian goods—citing drug trafficking and trade disputes just weeks ahead of a key deadline.
A series of earthquakes have struck Guatemala on Tuesday afternoon, leading authorities to advise residents to evacuate from buildings as a precaution against possible aftershocks.
A deadly mass shooting early on Monday (7 July) in Philadelphia's Grays Ferry neighbourhood left three men dead and nine others wounded, including teenagers, as more than 100 shots were fired.
Dozens of international and domestic flights were cancelled or delayed after Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted on Monday, but Bali’s main airport remains operational.
The 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) was successfully held in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, highlighting the region’s revival and the deepening economic cooperation among member states.
French member of parliament Olivier Marleix was found dead at his home on Monday, with suicide being considered a possible cause.
The U.S. is set to support Lebanon’s military readiness with a $100 million deal to sustain A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, enhancing the Lebanese Armed Forces’ ability to uphold the recent ceasefire in southern Lebanon.
The U.S. unexpectedly recorded a $27 billion budget surplus in June, reversing last year’s deficit. This improvement reflects stronger customs collections and significant cuts in education spending amid ongoing fiscal challenges.
Cameroon prepares for presidential elections on October 12 amid rising political tensions and declared candidates challenging long-time leader Paul Biya’s rule.
Norway could soon receive a major boost to its airborne defence, as Washington signals readiness to expand military cooperation through a new high-value arms deal.
Top military officials from South Korea, the United States, and Japan held talks in Seoul and urged North Korea to stop activities that destabilise the region, as the three allies conducted a joint air exercise on South Korea’s southern Jeju island.
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