Diplomatic Dispute Over Cook Islands and Beijing Agreement
A diplomatic conflict has emerged concerning the Cook Islands' potential agreement with Beijing, which New Zealand fears may violate their free association pact.
A diplomatic spat has erupted between New Zealand and the Cook Islands over plans by Raratonga to sign a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with Beijing.
New Zealand's Foreign Ministry says it could potentially breach a free association agreement with the Cook Islands.
"The various statements released by both Governments are ambiguous," said Jon Fraenkel, a Professor of Comparative Politics at Victoria University of Wellington.
"They don't indicate what's forbidden under the arrangement, they assume there's a common understanding," he added.
"The agreements between the Cook Islands and New Zealand are ambiguous and ill defined."
