Cook Islands Faces Criticism from New Zealand Over Planned China Partnership

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown's trip to Beijing to sign a strategic partnership with China has raised concerns about transparency and regional security from New Zealand.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown is visiting Beijing to sign a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China, focusing on trade, renewable energy, and infrastructure development.
New Zealand officials have criticized the Cook Islands for not adequately consulting them about the agreement, as required under their free association arrangement.
Prime Minister Brown has assured New Zealand that the agreement does not involve security matters, but has not disclosed the full details of the deal.
The move has sparked concerns about China's growing influence in the South Pacific, particularly in light of previous agreements with nations like the Solomon Islands and Kiribati.
New Zealand views the lack of transparency as a significant issue, emphasizing the importance of managing Pacific relationships carefully during a period of heightened geopolitical tensions.