Cook Islands Reveals Deal Terms with China Amid Transparency Concerns

• Feb 18, 2025

The Cook Islands has disclosed the terms of its strategic partnership agreement with China, which covers areas such as deep-sea mining and educational scholarships. This comes amid protests from opposition parties who accuse Prime Minister Mark Brown of risking the country’s relationship with New Zealand and failing to ensure transparency.

The agreement, announced on February 18, 2025, does not include security ties but focuses on economic and diplomatic cooperation. The Cook Islands' government made the decision to release the details following concerns raised by New Zealand, which had not been consulted despite the countries' constitutional relationship. There was also criticism domestically about the lack of transparency surrounding the deal. On the same day, about 400 protesters, led by opposition parties, gathered outside the capital city of Avarua. Some carried signs reading "Stay connected with New Zealand" and others waved New Zealand passports in protest against Brown’s now-dropped proposal for a separate Cook Islands passport, which would have required holders to give up their New Zealand citizenship.

“We have no problem with our government seeking assistance, but we do have a problem when it risks our sovereignty and our relationship with New Zealand,” said opposition leader Tina Browne.

Prime Minister Brown, speaking in Parliament, emphasized that the agreement with China would not replace the Cook Islands' longstanding relationships with New Zealand and Australia but would complement them. He pointed to areas of cooperation such as trade, infrastructure, ocean resources, and education.

“This agreement is part of our strategy to diversify our partnerships and enhance economic diplomacy,” he said. “By strengthening ties with China, we are opening up opportunities that benefit our people.”

However, the opposition is concerned that the deal could jeopardize the nation’s sovereignty and its diplomatic ties with New Zealand. In response to the growing criticism, opposition parties have called for a no-confidence vote in Parliament, which is set to take place on February 25.

The agreement with China was signed during Brown’s visit to the country, where he met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in the city of Harbin. The deal includes provisions for trade, investment, ocean science, infrastructure, and transport. One of the key aspects of the agreement is a $4 million one-time grant from China, which Brown stated would likely be used for renewable energy projects in the Cook Islands.

Brown also mentioned that discussions during the visit had touched on seabed minerals research, as the Cook Islands is considering deep-sea mining for metals like nickel and cobalt.

New Zealand has expressed “significant concern” about the lack of transparency over the deal and the failure to consult New Zealand officials, which is required under the constitutional arrangement between the two nations. Brown, however, reassured that any concerns from New Zealand would be addressed once the deal is reviewed by Wellington.

Despite the controversy, Brown maintains that the agreement with China will be beneficial for the Cook Islands, strengthening its economic position and securing new opportunities for the small island nation.