Uncertainty as Cook Islands PM returns from China deal

Questions remain unanswered about the freshly inked Cook Islands agreement with China, raising the ire of the Cook Islands public, political opposition, and New Zealand officials.

Cook lslands Prime Minister Mark Brown is due to return from China this afternoon, following a week-long state visit where he signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement.

Opposition MP Teariki Heather says there is a nervous wait on the deal's details.

“There’s a bit of ‘still in the air’ regarding his trip and also questions, what has he signed with Republic of China?

“It’ll be pretty tense. People are getting frustrated and angry.

"Like everyone else, we’re still biting our nails on what’s really [been] signed."

The agreement collaboration includes plans to grow marine research, sustainable growth options for the pearl and oyster farms in the Southern islands of Pa Enua, and climate resilience projects such as weather forecasting.

Meanwhile, Brown's office says the agreement will be made public “in the coming days”.

“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 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."

Brown insists the Cook Islands has met it’s obligations to consult with New Zealand, and the agreement “complements, not replaces’ the relationship with New Zealand.

Dr Iati Iati, senior lecturer in international relations at Victoria University, told Radio New Zealand that the situation is murky as to what “consultation” means between both countries.

“If you go back to the 2001 declaration, there are provisions that provide for consultation... but if you look at the declaration, the Cook Islands has a really good case that they're on solid ground and the consultation they've done already with Winston Peters and some of the Government ministers has been sufficient.”

Photo/Cook Islands Office of the Prime Minister

A tense welcome

The Cook Islands parliament will convene for the first time this year on Tuesday, New Zealand time. The opposition has filed a motion of no confidence against Brown, and Heather says a protest is also scheduled.

“We are marching tomorrow to show solidarity, our relationship with New Zealanders, that's most important to all the people of the Cook Islands."

The office of New Zealand's Foreign Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters says once the agreements are available, New Zealand will “consider them closely, in light of both countries' mutual constitutional responsibilities”.

Winston Peters travelled to the Cook Islands in February 2024 for his first Pacific visit. Photo/Candice Luke/Cook Islands News

Speaking to William Terite on Pacific Mornings, Heather says locals are fearful New Zealand might retaliate against the agreement. They want to reiterate their connection to New Zealand and acknowledge the support they've received from Aotearoa.

“What's most important for the march tomorrow, is actually [that] we standing up for all the people of the Cook Islands, especially our relationship, that's the most important one for us marching tomorrow.”