The Cook Islands has signed a new agreement to expand relations with China. During his five-day visit, Prime Minister Mark Brown met Chinese Premier Li Qiang. As a result, they finalized an “action plan for the comprehensive strategic partnership” in Harbin, a city in northern China.
According to Brown, the agreement creates a framework for cooperation in several key areas, including trade, investment, infrastructure, transport, and ocean science. This deal marks a significant step in strengthening ties between the two nations.
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China’s Growing Influence in the Pacific
Meanwhile, China continues to expand its influence in the Pacific, directly challenging the US, Australia, and New Zealand. The Cook Islands’ decision to deepen ties with China has raised concerns among its Western allies. In particular, New Zealand, which supports the Cook Islands in foreign affairs and defense, criticized the deal for lacking transparency. Officials in Wellington also stated they were not properly consulted before the agreement was signed.
Nevertheless, Brown reassured that the partnership with China does not replace the Cook Islands’ existing relationships. “Our relationship and engagement with China complements, not replaces, our longstanding relationships with New Zealand and our various other bilateral, regional and multilateral partners,” he said. However, given the growing wariness towards China’s expanding presence, many remain skeptical about its true intentions.
Geopolitical and Economic Significance
Despite its small population, the Cook Islands holds strategic importance in the Pacific. Along with 13 other Pacific island nations, it controls maritime zones that cover 15% of the Earth’s surface. As a result, major powers closely monitor its foreign policy decisions.
Furthermore, the US, Australia, and New Zealand see China’s increasing influence as a calculated move to gain strategic advantages. Beijing aims to secure access to key shipping routes, natural resources, and potential military footholds. Since the Cook Islands can independently sign international agreements, it has become a valuable diplomatic partner in this geopolitical struggle. By strengthening its ties with China, the island nation could shift the regional balance of power in Beijing’s favor.
Deep-Sea Mining and Maritime Security
In addition to trade and investment, Brown’s visit also focused on seabed mineral research. Cook Islands officials held discussions with Chinese institutions, which could lead to Chinese investment in this sector. The island nation is considering deep-sea mining to extract nickel, cobalt, and other valuable metals.
Although deep-sea mining offers economic benefits, it has sparked global concerns due to its environmental impact. Even so, China, a leader in rare earth processing, is eager to secure new sources of these critical minerals for its battery, electronics, and defense industries. Consequently, this partnership could provide China with greater control over these essential resources.
Moreover, the agreement may also involve maritime security cooperation, which could significantly impact control over key waterways and exclusive economic zones in the Pacific. In the past, China has pursued security agreements with other Pacific nations, such as the Solomon Islands, leading to concerns about its long-term military ambitions.
Ultimately, by deepening ties with China, the Cook Islands is stepping into a broader geopolitical power struggle. This move could not only reshape regional alliances but also redefine the Pacific’s political landscape in the years to come.
