Standing beneath the shade of trees outside the Cook Islands parliament this week, Fe’ena Syme-Buchanan expressed her concerns regarding a controversial agreement signed with China that has raised alarms throughout the Pacific nation. The Rarotonga-based photographer has mixed feelings about the deal Prime Minister Mark Brown finalized with Beijing last week, referring to it as a “double-edged sword.”
“There’s potential for economic growth, business expansion, and improved infrastructure, all of which could benefit locals like myself,” she stated. “But let’s be honest – opportunities like these come with a price. The Cook Islands is small, and when you engage with economic powerhouses like China, it’s essential to consider the long-term implications.”
This agreement with China represents the first significant deal the Cook Islands has made with a nation outside its traditional allies, New Zealand and Australia. The focus of the agreement includes economic, infrastructure, and maritime cooperation, as well as seabed mineral development, but it does not encompass security or defense matters.
The lack of consultation with New Zealand has led to diplomatic tensions with Wellington and protests in the Cook Islands this week. Operating in “free association” with New Zealand, the Cook Islands, home to about 17,000 residents, manages its own affairs while receiving support from New Zealand in foreign relations, disaster relief, and defense. Citizens of the Cook Islands also hold New Zealand citizenship.
Syme-Buchanan was among over 400 Cook Islanders who participated in the protest, which was fueled by concerns that the deal could harm relations with New Zealand and perceived efforts to sever ties, particularly after the Cook Islands proposed creating its own passport—a plan that was later scrapped.
Teariki Heather, an opposition MP and leader of the Cook Islands United party, organized the rally to reassure New Zealand that “we value our passport and care about our relationship.” He criticized the Prime Minister for misleading the nation without consulting the public or their closest ally, New Zealand, which has supported the Cook Islands for the past 60 years.
“The relationship with New Zealand is significant for us Cook Islanders, and the reaction from New Zealand regarding the lack of consultation and its implications is concerning,” Heather remarked.
Concerns over the ‘vague’ deal have also emerged, with politicians and residents criticizing its lack of detail and questioning the potential long-term effects on the Cook Islands. On Thursday, Prime Minister Brown stated that the absence of specifics was intentional, as details would emerge during negotiations for any future projects. He clarified that there were “no projects or actual engagements that have been signed up to.” The Cook Islands has secured a NZ$4 million ($2.3 million) grant from China.
