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 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 confirms 'in-depth exchange' with Cook Islands as New Zealand faces criticism for bullying
Beijing revealed details of its meeting with Prime Minister Mark Brown for the first time on Thursday, as New Zealand Foreign Minister faces criticism for bullying.
China sees 'in-depth' Cook Islands talks, partnership deal expected
China acknowledged a visit by the Cook Islands leader for the first time on Thursday, amid exasperation in New Zealand that it was not consulted about expected agreements involving the South Pacific nation,
Why a China deal has set off a Cook Islands-New Zealand spat
But the proposed pact has shaken decades-old ties between the Cook Islands and New Zealand, neighbours that are set to mark 60 years of a free association agreement in 2025. That agreement has long given New Zealand influence over the Cook Islands, especially over its foreign policy.
Cook Islands PM Attends Asian Winter Games in China
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown is set to attend the Asian Winter Games closing ceremony in Harbin, China. During his visit, he will meet with China's Premier Li Qiang to discuss bilateral relations,
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.
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,
New Zealand and the Cook Islands fall out over China
China signs an agreement with an island nation. America’s regional partners get spooked. The Cook Islands, a sparsely populated string of 15 islets, is the latest to set off alarm bells. Its prime minister,
Geopolitical Games In The South Pacific
When it comes to worries about Chinese influence in the Pacific, the recent rifts between New Zealand and two of our ...
Visit of Cook Islands PM to deepen exchanges
VCG . At the invitation of China, Prime Minister Mark Brown of the Cook Islands will attend the Closing Ceremony of the Asian Winter Games i ...