Cook Islands releases China pact amid pro-NZ protests

Daftar Isi

Hundreds of Cook Islanders have taken to the streets to urge their government to keep strong ties with New Zealand, following the government's announcement of a new deal with China.

A comprehensive strategic partnership was agreed between the Pacific's smaller nations and the world's leading power last week during a state visit by Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown.

However, it wasn't released until Tuesday, which ruffled the feathers of our long-time mates in New Zealand, who give Cook Islanders both defence support and citizenship, but expect a say in any big decisions.

The New Zealand government wasn't sent a copy of the agreement before it was put up on the Cook Islands foreign affairs website.

The agreement outlines strengthened cooperation between China and the Cook Islands in areas of trade, investment, and tourism, including plans to make the Chinese market accessible to Cook Islands seafood exporters, all within a five-year plan to 2030.

China is also providing further assistance with infrastructure in the Pacific nation of Polynesia, following its contributions to the construction of the national courthouse, police headquarters, and national stadium.

The document also includes sections committing to collaboration on climate change, maritime issues and disaster management.

Mr Brown also revealed that China had provided a one-off donation of $4 million.

Just like Mr Brown said a couple of weeks ago, when TVNZ first told us about the deal, there's no part of it that's about boosting security co-operation, which would've been a worry for Australia and New Zealand.

A representative for New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters pointed out that public statements had been made about further deals being done during Mr Brown's visit to China, which should also be made public.

"We're looking forward to the release of all those agreements without delay, so the Cook Islands people and New Zealand can get a clear understanding of the content and extent of the planned co-operation between China and the Cooks," he said.

Consultation and transparency must be at the core of our relationship with New Zealand.

Several hundred Cook Islanders expressed their strong views on Tuesday by taking to the streets in protest against Mr Brown's actions.

Before the China pact, Mr Brown also mentioned the possibility of the Cook Islands issuing their own passports as a potential step towards full independence.

That proposal was at the forefront of the protest, with many carrying signs reading "Stay Connected to Aotearoa" or depicting giant Kiwi passports, showing the value they place on New Zealand citizenship rights.

Cook Islands opposition leader Tina Browne said Mr Brown needed to rule out cutting ties with New Zealand.

"We've got no issue with our government going and seeking help from China," she said to Radio NZ.

We do have a problem when it's putting our independence at risk, straining our connection with New Zealand.

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon stated on Monday, before the agreement's release, that he was confident the long-standing friendship between the countries would get through this challenging period.

"We hold the Cook Islands people in high regard. We share a strong connection with them ... we'll navigate through our differences," he said.

The rally outside the Cook Islands parliament was also attended by NZ Maori Party co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.

Ms Ngarewa-Packer said on Radio NZ that she was in the Cook Islands on a personal trip, but she got involved due to her worries about Mr Brown's lack of transparency and his push for seabed mining, which she's opposed to because of environmental concerns.

The agreement outlines strengthened co-operation between China and the Cook Islands, covering trade, investment and tourism, including making the Chinese market accessible to Cook Islands seafood, all within a five-year plan up to 2030.