Nothing to Declare

New Zealand expressed renewed concern this week about Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown’s trip to China to sign agreements concerning national development without consulting with Wellington, Reuters reported.

On Monday, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said that under their “constitutional arrangements” with the Cook Islands, New Zealand expects transparency and consultation when it comes to matters of defense and security, which is lacking in this transaction, the BBC reported.

The Cook Islands and China’s partnership in national development includes discussions about infrastructure, trade, and the economy.

Deep-sea mining is also expected to be part of the agreement. The practice, in which China is a major player, could generate huge economic revenue for the Islands. However, critics note that it could also exacerbate climate change, and for a region already plagued by it.

The Cook Islands is a self-governing nation in the Pacific in “free association” with New Zealand, which is responsible for the country’s foreign affairs and defense.

Brown had previously pledged to provide a Cook Islands passport and citizenship for Cook Islanders while maintaining the benefits of the free association but later backed off from the proposal. Wellington, however, said the proposal is not feasible unless the Cook Islands asks for complete independence, losing the benefits of their New Zealand citizenship, including the right to live, work, and access healthcare in the country.

China’s rising influence in the Pacific has New Zealand worried about the potential threats to the country’s national security, especially after the agreement signed between China and the Solomon Islands in 2022 which raised concerns for a permanent Chinese military presence in the region. Other Pacific nations, including Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea, have close relations with China.

While China has yet to confirm Brown’s visit, the country’s foreign ministry already labeled the Cook Islands – and New Zealand – as an important partner in the Pacific region.

Brown rejected accusations that his engagement with China is secretive and said that every partnership he signs will be “in the best interest of the Cook Islands.”

However, some Cook Islanders are doubtful. The leader of the opposition Democratic Party, Tina Browne, said that people were already concerned about the lack of consultation concerning the proposed independent passport, and now the agreement with China.