The Cook Islands, a nation of 17,000 people spread across the South Pacific, holds strategic significance beyond its size. Along with 13 other Pacific island nations, it controls vast maritime zones t

China and the Cook Islands on Friday signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, but the lack of transparency around the details has alarmed New Zealand, the South Pacific state’s closest democratic ally.

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.

The decision drew from New Zealand, which is increasingly cautious about China's growing presence in the Pacific region.

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.

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,

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.

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.