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.
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
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,
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 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.
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.
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,
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