New Zealand’s foreign minister expressed “significant concern” on Sunday as Pacific partner Cook Islands prepares to sign a cooperation agreement with China.
Cook Island Prime Minister Mark Brown is expected to visit Beijing next week to the state, where he signs a “collective action plan” for a “comprehensive strategic partnership” with China.
China is coming at a sensitive time as it challenges the shaking of historic regions of the United States, New Zealand and Australia in search of strategically important diplomatic, economic and military influences in the Pacific Ocean.
A spokesman for New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters said Brown kept the New Zealand government in the darkness.
“Therefore, we believe that the Cook Islands did not properly consult New Zealand regarding the agreement that China is expected to sign this week,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
“This lack of consultation is a major concern for the New Zealand government.”
The Cook Islands are a small, autonomous Pacific country with a “free association” agreement with New Zealand.
Wellington provides budgetary support and support for diplomacy and defense for former dependent territories, where 17,000 people are New Zealand citizens.
New Zealand says it should consult with international agreements that impact critical strategic and security.
Looking at the proposed deal, New Zealand could “see” whether it “poses a risk to our country’s national interests,” a Peters spokesperson said.
Brown defended the visit Thursday, saying it was “intended to expand economic opportunities.”
Published – February 10, 2025 02:02 AM IST
