China extends reach in South Pacific

China, Cook Islands sign strategic partnership pact
China and the Cook Islands on Friday signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, but the lack of transparency around the details has alarmed New Zealand, the South Pacific state’s closest democratic ally.
Cook Islands says comprehensive strategic partnership deal signed with China
The Cook Islands said on Saturday that it signed a comprehensive strategic partnership deal with China, a move expected to raise concerns in New Zealand with which it has constitutional ties.
China extends reach in South Pacific with Cook Islands deal
No details have been released, but analysts and environmentalists fear it will pave the way for closer security ties and the start of deep-sea mining.
China Sees 'In-Depth' Cook Islands Talks, Partnership Deal Expected
In 2018, in a meeting with leaders from eight Pacific island countries, including then Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna, Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to elevate China's diplomatic ties with the group of nations.
China willing to deepen mutual political trust with Cook Islands, premier says
China is willing to deepen mutual political trust with the Cook Islands, China's Premier Li Qiang said during a meeting with Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, China's national television broadcaster reported on Friday.
China seeks deeper trust with Cook Islands, Premier Li tells Prime Minister Mark Brown
Multiple cooperation deals signed as Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown talk in Harbin, CCTV reports.
New Zealand and the Cook Islands fall out over China
The Cook Islands needs trade and investment. Its economy depends on tourism, and, having graduated to “high-income” status in 2020, it is no longer eligible for aid. As Mr Brown sees it, China is part of the solution.
China says a visit by Cook Islands’ prime minister isn’t meant to antagonize others in South Pacific
China says a visit this week by the Cook Islands' prime minister to Beijing was not meant to conspire against anyone in the South Pacific, despite the trip stirring up a diplomatic spat between the tiny nation and its chief benefactor,
Cook Islands prime minister discusses marine, climate and economics in China visit
Cook Islands' Prime Minister Mark Brown said on Thursday he had held discussions with institutions on marine science, climate resilience and economic cooperation so far during a trip to China that has raised national security concerns in New Zealand.
Cook Islands ‘deals’ with China - why NZ Government won’t comment
The Cook Islands has signed a Joint Action Plan for Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) with China - but New Zealand authorities remain in the dark on the details. New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters says no comment will be made about any agreements or deals made between the Cook Islands and China until he has “closely” considered those details which are yet to be shared with him.
"Deal with China complements, not replaces, NZ relationship," Cook Islands PM
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says the deal with China "complements, not replaces" the relationship with New Zealand after signing it on Friday.
China ready for 'in-depth' talks as Premier Li Qiang set to meet Cook Islands leader
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‘National sovereignty’ central to Cook Islands PM’s discussions with China as deal enters final stages
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Another Pacific island is set to fall under Chinese influence
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NZ-Pacific tensions rise as China strengthens regional ties – The Front Page
Could New Zealand’s relationships with its Pacific neighbours be in jeopardy – and is China ready to take full advantage? Tensions have emerged in recent weeks between New Zealand and several Pacific ...