Cook Islanders Protest Government's New Deal with China Amid Concerns for Ties with New Zealand

Hundreds of Cook Islanders protested in Rarotonga against a recently signed strategic partnership with China that reportedly covers deep-sea mining and education but lacks security provisions. The deal, unveiled by Prime Minister Mark Brown, was criticized for not consulting New Zealand, with which the Cook Islands has significant constitutional and historical ties.

The partnership, announced following Brown's visit to China, has drawn significant concern from New Zealand officials who emphasized the need for transparency. The accord is seen as part of China's expanding influence in the Pacific, raising alarms among Western nations, particularly concerning Cook Islands' close relationship with New Zealand, which provides budget assistance and shared citizenship.

Opposition leader Tina Browne expressed that while seeking assistance from other countries is acceptable, it should not jeopardize Cook Islands' sovereignty or its bond with New Zealand. Demonstrators held banners advocating for closer ties with New Zealand and framed the government’s proposed separate Cook Islands passport scheme as problematic. Brown has indicated that the partnership aims to diversify the nation’s economic partnerships, though he is now facing a no-confidence vote in parliament.