Wed Feb 19 05:33:03 UTC 2025: ## New Zealand to “Reset” Relationship with Cook Islands After China Deal

**Wellington, New Zealand – February 19, 2025** – New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced today that his country will be “resetting” its relationship with the Cook Islands following the latter’s signing of several agreements with China without prior consultation. Peters expressed concern over the Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown’s opaque dealings with Beijing, calling them a challenge to the existing government-to-government relationship.

The agreements, signed during Brown’s recent visit to Beijing, establish a strategic partnership encompassing various sectors, including education, economy, infrastructure, and seabed mining. This has raised alarm bells in New Zealand due to China’s growing influence in the Pacific and potential security implications.

Peters highlighted that New Zealand remains largely unaware of the details of these agreements, having only seen one of several memoranda of understanding signed with China. He stressed the strong people-to-people connection between the two nations but emphasized the need for a reassessment of the governmental relationship.

This incident follows previous attempts by the Cook Islands to pursue independent foreign policies, such as a proposal for its own passports and citizenship which was rejected by New Zealand.

Furthermore, Peters also addressed growing tensions with Kiribati, another Pacific Island nation that has recently signed deals with China and cancelled a planned visit from New Zealand officials. He stated that New Zealand will reassess its aid commitment to Kiribati, which has exceeded NZ$100 million ($57 million) in the past three years. The actions of both the Cook Islands and Kiribati underscore the increasing complexity of New Zealand’s relationship with its Pacific neighbours amidst China’s expanding presence in the region.

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