Cook Islands Faces Criticism from New Zealand Over Planned China Partnership

China cooks up trouble in the South Pacific

The Cook Islands’ recent entry into a strategic partnership with China has spawned protests in front of Parliament, angered long-time ally New Zealand, and this week, nearly toppled the islands’ government. On Wednesday, Cooks Prime Minister Mark Brown survived a 13-9 no-confidence vote. Opposition legislators were angry that Brown did the deal with Beijing in secret, jeopardizing the country’s long-standing relationship with Wellington, which N…

New Zealand government alarmed by Cook Islands deal with China

The Cook Islands’ pact with China has been furiously denounced by New Zealand as breaching the neo-colonial constitutional arrangements with its Pacific neighbour.

What does China want with the Cook Islands?

Diplomatic storm clouds are gathering around the Cook Islands, a picturesque tourist destination in the South Pacific known for its creaking palms, pink beaches and deliciously warm nights.  The microscopic island-nation has a long-standing ‘free association’ with New Zealand, which sees Wellington give the islands defence and financial support. Now though the islands are in

Today's news: the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is at risk after the threat not to release the hostages anymore, today the Jordanian king meets Trump in Washington. In Indonesia, there is concern about the public roles assumed by the military. Beijing is planning trains for the elderly to boost the economy. Only one opposition candidate is allowed in Tajikistan for next month's elections.

Cook Islands and New Zealand fall out over China deal

Wellington says it was not properly consulted over the agreement, which is due to be signed this week.

China Says Visit by Cook Islands' Prime Minister Isn't Meant to Antagonise Others in South Pacific

China insisted on Monday that a visit this week by the prime minister of the Cook Islands to Beijing is 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, New Zealand.The visi