New Zealand has expressed concerns over the Cook Islands’ plans to strike a partnership deal with China, accusing the Pacific Island nation’s government of a lack of transparency.
Cook Islands leader Mark Brown is set to make his country’s first ever state visit to Beijing this week to sign the agreement. However, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon describes the situation as a “dispute” after the Cook Islands was not properly consulted over the plans.
The Cook Islands relies heavily on New Zealand under a longstanding free association agreement that provides it with defence and financial support. The US and its allies have traditionally held sway in the Pacific, but China’s growing influence has challenged this status quo.
Brown denies any dispute, stating that engagement between the two countries has been consistent and respectful. However, Beijing has warned that its relationship with the Cook Islands is not subject to third-party interference.
The deal includes areas such as infrastructure, trade, and tourism, as well as deep-sea mining which could be a game-changer for the Cook Islands’ economy. Critics, however, warn that it may exacerbate climate change, which the Cook Islands are already vulnerable to.
Luxon has suggested that he would wait to see what is in the deal before making any decisions about aid to the Cook Islands. The move has sparked criticism from opposition leaders who claim Brown and his government did not consult the public about the China deal first.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g3vew1ejgo