26 h. ago On the ground in the Cook Islands, controversial deal with China stirs debate

Some residents say the agreement has harmed relations with New Zealand while others welcome the economic benefits it may bringStanding under the shade of trees outside the Cook Islands parliament this week, Fe’ena Syme-Buchanan questioned a controversial deal signed with China that has sparked concern across the Pacific country.The photographer from Rarotonga feels mixed emotions about the agreement prime minister Mark Brown struck with Beijing last week, describing it as a “double-edged sword”. Continue reading...

Economics

4 d. ago Cook Islands gives some detail of its China deal that has upset close partner New Zealand

The South Pacific country of Cook Islands has unveiled the details of a deal with China to boost cooperation after the pact provoked a rare diplomatic clash with the nation’s chief benefactor, New Zealand, and protests at home

Economics

4 d. ago Why a deal with China has strained New Zealand’s ties with the Cook Islands

Beijing’s growing influence in the South Pacific has hit the close relationship between Wellington and the Cook Islands

Economics

4 d. ago Hundreds march to Cook Islands’ parliament to oppose deal with China

Protests erupt over Cook Islands’ new strategic partnership with China, raising concerns about ties with New Zealand

Politics

4 d. ago Cook Islands releases terms of deal with China amid protests about lack of transparency

Agreement includes sections on deep-sea mining and education, document shows, as opposition accuses PM of risking relationship with New ZealandA strategic partnership deal between China and the Cook Islands spans areas from deep-sea mining to education scholarships but excludes security ties, a document released by the Pacific island nation’s government showed.Western nations that traditionally held sway in the region have become increasingly concerned about China’s plans to increase influence after Beijing signed defence, trade and financial deals with Pacific countries in the last three years. Continue reading...

Economics

4 d. ago Hundreds protest in Cook Islands over PM’s handling of deal with China

Opposition leaders accuse prime minister of risking its relationship with New Zealand by continued secrecy around dealHundreds of protesters have marched on Cook Islands’ parliament to oppose prime minister Mark Brown’s recent decisions, including a failure to properly consult its closest partner New Zealand over a deal to deepen ties with China.Roughly 400 protesters – led by opposition parties – gathered outside the capital city of Avarua on Tuesday, RNZ reported, with some holding signs reading “Stay connected with New Zealand”. Others waved placards showing the New Zealand passport in opposition to Brown’s now-abandoned controversial proposal to introduce a separate Cook Islands passport, which New Zealand warned would require holders to renounce their New Zealand one. Continue reading...

Economics