Deal promises strong future for Cook Islands - PM

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says a comprehensive strategic deal with China will catalyse growth for his government, the country’s private sector, and the Cook Islands' citizens.

Brown and his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang formalised the agreement on Saturday in Harbin, the capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang province, Brown's office said in a statement.

The move raises further concerns in Aotearoa New Zealand, which maintains constitutional ties with the Cook Islands.

"This provides opportunities for our government, our private sector and our people to benefit from enhanced partnership opportunities with China in areas aligned with our national interests and long-term development goals," he says.

Brown outlines that the agreement establishes a framework for engagement in "priority areas", including trade and investment, tourism, ocean science, aquaculture, agriculture, infrastructure climate resilience and disaster preparedness.

Brown’s visit has sparked criticism from Wellington, which remains cautious about China's expanding influence in the Pacific.

In response, New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters has stated that "once available, Aotearoa will consider the agreements closely, in light of our interests and our mutual constitutional responsibilities".

The Cook Islands, located halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii, can engage with the international community as an independent state. But, New Zealand continues to provide budget support and commits to defending the Pacific island nation, whose citizens are New Zealanders.

New Zealand has voiced concerns about Brown's visit to China, particularly over the lack of transparency about the agreements the prime minister plans to sign despite requests for prior review.

Cook Islands Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Tukaka Ama, inks the agreement with China's Minister of Natural Resources Guan Zhi'ou as Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown and Chinese Premier Li Qiang look on. Photo/Cook Islands Office of the Prime Minister

During his time in China, Brown engaged in discussions with key institutions focussed on marine science, climate resilience, and economic cooperation.

“As we progress through this State Visit, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we have achieved so far and the exciting opportunities ahead for the Cook Islands,” Brown said.

“Over the past few days, we have engaged in critical discussions with leading institutions in marine science, climate resilience, and economic cooperation.”

Brown says these conversations have opened the door to new areas of collaboration, including:

• Marine research - Expanding our marine research capabilities through partnerships with the China Ocean Sample Repository and the National Deep Sea Centre brings new expertise to our ongoing deep-sea exploration and sustainable ocean management efforts.

• Aquaculture development - Exploring aquaculture opportunities with Qingdao Frontier Ocean Seed Company, focusing on developing sustainable aquaculture in the Pa Enua, strengthening the pearl farming industry through breeding programs, and advancing oyster and clam propagation suited to our lagoon temperatures.

• Climate resilience - Cooperation with global experts enhances our national climate resilience efforts, particularly in weather forecasting and climate change adaptation.

“I know there has been strong interest in the outcomes of this visit, and I want to reassure our people that every conversation is being guided by what is best for the Cook Islands, ensuring that our partnerships support economic growth, environmental sustainability, and national sovereignty," the prime minister said.

“Our Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) and the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) will provide further updates on the details of our meetings, including specific opportunities in the blue economy, scientific research, and trade development.

“This is an important journey for the Cook Islands, and I look forward to sharing more in the coming days as we finalise key agreements.”

New Zealand, an ally of the United States, has expressed caution over Beijing's increasing presence in the South Pacific, fearing it could undermine Western influence.

Photo/Cook Islands Office of the Prime Minister