China extends reach in South Pacific

Cook Islands Says Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Deal Signed With China
SYDNEY (Reuters) - The Cook Islands said on Saturday that it signed a comprehensive strategic partnership deal with China - a move expected to raise concerns in New Zealand with which it has constitutional ties. The deal was signed by Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown during a visit to Beijing.
China extends reach in South Pacific with Cook Islands deal
No details have been released, but analysts and environmentalists fear it will pave the way for closer security ties and the start of deep-sea mining.
Cook Islands signs deal with China amid concerns from New Zealand
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown and Chinese Premier Li Qiang signed the deal in Harbin, the capital of northeast China’s Heilongjiang province
China Sees 'In-Depth' Cook Islands Talks, Partnership Deal Expected
In 2018, in a meeting with leaders from eight Pacific island countries, including then Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna, Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to elevate China's diplomatic ties with the group of nations.
"Deal with China complements, not replaces, NZ relationship," Cook Islands PM
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says the deal with China "complements, not replaces" the relationship with New Zealand after signing it on Friday.
China willing to deepen mutual political trust with Cook Islands, premier says
China is willing to deepen mutual political trust with the Cook Islands, China's Premier Li Qiang said during a meeting with Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, China's national television broadcaster reported on Friday.
New Zealand and the Cook Islands fall out over China
The Cook Islands needs trade and investment. Its economy depends on tourism, and, having graduated to “high-income” status in 2020, it is no longer eligible for aid. As Mr Brown sees it, China is part of the solution.
Cook Islands, China sign comprehensive strategic partnership deal raising concerns in New Zealand
Cook Islands signs strategic partnership with China, raising concerns in New Zealand over growing Chinese presence in the Pacific.
China ready for 'in-depth' talks as Premier Li Qiang set to meet Cook Islands leader
China stood ready for "in-depth" talks with the Cook Islands, Beijing said on Thursday, a day before a meeting between Premier Li Qiang and visiting Prime Minister Mark Brown. According to the Chinese foreign ministry,
China says a visit by Cook Islands’ prime minister isn’t meant to antagonize others in South Pacific
China says a visit this week by the Cook Islands' prime minister to Beijing was 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,
Cook Islands ‘deals’ with China - why NZ Government won’t comment
The Cook Islands has signed a Joint Action Plan for Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) with China - but New Zealand authorities remain in the dark on the details. New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters says no comment will be made about any agreements or deals made between the Cook Islands and China until he has “closely” considered those details which are yet to be shared with him.
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