Cook Islands Faces Protests Over Controversial China Partnership

Prime Minister Mark Brown defends the agreement as opposition leaders and New Zealand criticize a lack of transparency.

Approximately 400 protesters gathered outside the Cook Islands parliament in Avarua, led by opposition leaders, to oppose the government's new strategic partnership with China.
The agreement, signed during PM Mark Brown's state visit to China, includes cooperation on trade, infrastructure, and seabed mineral exploration, with China providing a one-time $4 million grant.
Critics, including opposition leaders and New Zealand officials, have raised concerns about the lack of consultation and potential risks to Cook Islands' sovereignty and its relationship with New Zealand.
New Zealand, which has constitutional ties with the Cook Islands, expressed disappointment over not being consulted, as required under their 'free association' agreement.
Prime Minister Brown defended the deal as a step toward diversifying partnerships and reducing dependency on New Zealand, while pledging to release further details of the agreement soon.