Cook Islands diplomatic tensions with New Zealand over China relations
The Cook Islands are aiming to strengthen ties with China, prompting concern from New Zealand due to a lack of transparency regarding the proposed agreement.
The Cook Islands are seeking to establish closer ties with China, which has led to a diplomatic stoush with New Zealand. This week, New Zealand expressed concern regarding a new deal between the Cook Islands and China.
New Zealand has traditionally overseen the foreign relations of the Cook Islands, a responsibility stemming from their 'free association' relationship. Consequently, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters have shown annoyance with the Cook Islands government for not sharing details about the proposed agreement with China.
ABC Foreign affairs reporter Stephen Dziedzic noted, "The main point here is around transparency...it's because the Government of the Cook Islands has refused to share it."
He further added that New Zealand is worried about the strategic implications that could arise, particularly concerning China's potential assistance in deep sea mining or mapping seabeds.
