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. The deal was signed by Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown during a visit to Beijing.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says the deal with China "complements, not replaces" the relationship with New Zealand after signing it on Friday.

Prime Minister Mark Brown of the Cook Islands visited China to discuss marine science, climate resilience, and economic cooperation. The trip, which raises security concerns in New Zealand, includes plans to sign a strategic partnership.

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.

The Cook Islands has officially signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with China, a move that is likely to raise concerns in New Zealand, which maintains constitutional ties with the island nation, reported The Hindu.

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,

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.

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.