A diplomatic dispute has arisen between two closely connected Pacific nations after New Zealand criticized the Cook Islands for not adequately consulting on its plans to strengthen ties with China, amid increasing worries about Beijing’s influence in the region. The Cook Islands was a dependent territory of New Zealand from 1901 to 1965 but has since functioned as a self-governing nation in “free association” with New Zealand, with its approximately 17,000 citizens holding New Zealand citizenship. Both nations have obligations to regularly consult on defense and security issues.
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown is set to travel to Beijing this week to sign a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with China, but he has not disclosed the details of the plans to New Zealand. This lack of transparency has raised “significant concern,” according to New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters. His efforts to obtain comprehensive information from Brown during discussions on Friday were unsuccessful, leading his office to confirm to the media that New Zealand views the Cook Islands as having failed to consult properly regarding any agreements planned for signing in China.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon emphasized the importance of transparency in the relationship between the two nations, stating that the current situation lacks it. He is awaiting the specifics of the agreement with China before deciding on any further actions. Brown has defended his choice not to share the agreement’s details with New Zealand, asserting that the deal does not involve security issues. He assured that there would be no adverse effects on the relationship between New Zealand and the Cook Islands.
Brown explained that there was no necessity for New Zealand to be involved in the discussions regarding the comprehensive agreement with China, stating, “We have advised them on the matter, but as far as being consulted and to the level of detail that they were requiring, I think that’s not a requirement.” He indicated that the agreement with China would focus on cooperation in infrastructure and research into deep-sea mining, with details to be revealed after the signing.
This diplomatic tension follows Brown’s recent decision to abandon a controversial proposal for a separate Cook Islands passport, which New Zealand warned would require holders to renounce their New Zealand citizenship. This incident marks the second diplomatic dispute between New Zealand and a Pacific nation in recent weeks, as Peters also announced a review of development aid to Kiribati due to insufficient political engagement with its president, Taneti Maamau.