China and Cook Islands Sign Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement

The deal, signed during Prime Minister Mark Brown's visit to China, aims to enhance cooperation in infrastructure, trade, and marine research, raising concerns in New Zealand.

• The Cook Islands and China signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement during Prime Minister Mark Brown's visit to Beijing.
• China's Premier Li Qiang emphasized strengthening political trust and aligning the Belt and Road Initiative with the Cook Islands' development strategy.
• The agreement includes collaboration on marine infrastructure, climate resilience, and deep-sea mineral exploration, with a focus on nickel and cobalt for electric vehicle batteries.
• New Zealand, which has constitutional ties with the Cook Islands, expressed concerns about not being consulted on the agreements before they were signed.
• This marks the first visit by a Cook Islands leader to China in a decade, highlighting China's growing influence in the Pacific region.

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South China Morning Post