China, Cook Islands and South Pacific

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,
China set to extend 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 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
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.
Why a deal with China has strained New Zealand’s ties with the Cook Islands
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
Will New Zealand ‘invade’ the Cook Islands to stop China? Seriously
The Cook Islands, with one of the largest Exclusive Economic Zones in the world — a whopping 2 million sq km — is considered part of New Zealand’s backyard, albeit over 3000 km to the northeast. The deal with China is focused on economics not security issues, according to Cooks Prime Minister Mark Brown.
The Diplomat3h
New Zealand’s Kiribati Aid Review Further Opens Door for Chinese Influence
New Zealand’s announced review of its development aid to Kiribati after a diplomatic rift between the two countries should ...
Geopolitical games in the South Pacific
As the US looks to be leaving the Pacific, and New Zealand is rowing with Kiribati and the Cook Islands, experts worry about ...
A US ally is reconsidering aid to a strategic Pacific nation. Will China move in?
A rare dispute between New Zealand and Kiribati has renewed focus on the Pacific island nation, highlighting the existential ...
Another Pacific island is set to fall under Chinese influence
The leader of the tiny South Pacific nation of the Cook Islands has flown to China to seal a controversial security deal, in ...
‘Long’ purple sea creature — with 24 ‘feet’ — pulled from depths. It’s a new species
Scientists discovered the 1-foot-long animal while aboard a submersible several miles deep in the Pacific Ocean. Take a look.