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.

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.

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.

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.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown is going to China to sign the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and other agreements. The Cook Islands is part of the realm of New Zealand

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.

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 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.