Cook Islands PM pledges to release details of China deal

SYDNEY – A strategic partnership deal between China and the Cook Islands spans areas from deep-sea mining to education scholarships but excludes security ties, a document released by the Pacific island nation’s government showed.

Western nations that traditionally have held sway in the Pacific have become increasingly concerned about China’s plans to increase influence there after Beijing signed defence, trade and financial deals in the region over the last three years.

Amid domestic criticism of lack of transparency, the government unveiled the action plan for the deal on Feb 17 in the Cook Islands, in response to calls from New Zealand, which had not been consulted, despite constitutional ties.

“This does not replace our longstanding relationships with New Zealand, Australia, and others, but rather complements them, ensuring that we have a diversified portfolio of partnerships,” Prime Minister Mark Brown told the Cook Islands Parliament.

“We are strengthening economic diplomacy through initiatives like our comprehensive strategic partnership with China,” he added, pointing to opportunities on offer in areas such as trade, infrastructure, and ocean resources.

Opposition has grown in the Cook Islands to any threat its pacts with China pose to close ties with New Zealand, and Mr Brown’s government faces a no-confidence vote in Parliament due after Feb 25 called by opposition parties.

Mr Brown’s remarks, which also expressed confidence in Cook Islands’ ability to protect its interests, followed a protest march to Parliament in the capital of Avarua backing ties with New Zealand.

“Stay connected with New Zealand,” read one placard held by protesters, who also brandished huge replicas of New Zealand passports.

“The first concern is the lack of consultation not only with us Cook Islanders but also with New Zealand,” said opposition leader Tina Browne, who had pushed for transparency on the deal.

China will give a