China extends reach in South Pacific

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.
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.
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.
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 ‘deals’ with China - why NZ Government won’t comment
New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters said he will wait to see the contents of China’s agreements with the Cook Islands before commenting on
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,
Cook Islands, China in talks on deep-sea mining
Cook Islands officials yesterday said they had discussed seabed minerals research with China as the small Pacific island mulls deep-sea mining of its waters.
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,
China and Cook Islands: Strengthening Ties Amid Regional Tensions
China seeks to enhance political trust and cooperation with the Cook Islands, as discussed by Premier Li Qiang and Prime Minister Mark Brown. The discussions focus on marine infrastructure, cultural exchanges,
New Zealand voices renewed concern as Cook Islands PM eyes agreement with China
New Zealand expressed renewed concern on Monday about the Cook Islands' prime minister travelling to China this week to sign agreements without properly consulting with Wellington despite the two nations' constitutional ties.
New Zealand and Cook Islands fall out over China deal
The Cook Islands is hugely reliant on New Zealand under a longstanding "free association" agreement that provides it with defence and financial support. China's growing influence
Cook Islands Prime Minister Discusses Marine, Climate and Economics in China Visit
WELLINGTON (Reuters) -Cook Islands' Prime Minister Mark Brown said on Thursday he had held discussions with institutions on ...
Another Pacific island is set to fall under Chinese influence
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A US ally is reconsidering aid to a strategic Pacific nation. Will China move in?
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‘Strategic failure’: Secret China deal raises new fears in the Pacific
The tiny nation of Cook Islands has delivered a significant blow to Australia’s efforts to counter China’s push into the ...