In a significant diplomatic move, New Zealand has paused millions of dollars in development funding for the Cook Islands due to unforeseen agreements struck between the Pacific nation and China. This announcement follows the revelation of deals made in February encompassing critical sectors such as infrastructure, tourism, technology, and notably, deep-sea mineral exploration. New Zealand, which serves as the Cook Islands' largest source of development aid, expressed disappointment at being blindsided by these arrangements.
Funding Halt: New Zealand Pauses Support for Cook Islands Amid China Agreements
Funding Halt: New Zealand Pauses Support for Cook Islands Amid China Agreements
New Zealand has halted vital funding to the Cook Islands over recent agreements with China, raising concerns among allies.
New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters emphasized that no new funding will be explored until the Cook Islands takes decisive actions to restore trust and repair the relationship. The NZ$18.2 million ($11 million) funding suspension is part of broader regional concerns regarding China's increasing influence in the Pacific, a sentiment shared by U.S. allies like Australia.
“We hope constructive dialogue will lead to a swift resolution of our concerns,” stated a spokesperson for Peters. In response, the Cook Islands government recognized the urgency of the situation, reaffirming their appreciation for New Zealand's support throughout the years. The Cook Islands Foreign Ministry is committed to engaging in constructive discussions to address New Zealand's reservations.
This funding suspension comes as Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of New Zealand visits China to meet with President Xi Jinping. Despite worries about the implications of this funding halt, Peters' spokesperson asserted confidence in the “special relationship” between Wellington and the Cook Islands.
China’s overtures to the Cook Islands represent part of its wider strategy to strengthen ties with smaller Pacific nations, which has previously alarmed Western powers, particularly following China's security deal with the Solomon Islands in 2022. Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown previously stated that deals with China align with their “long-term interests” while reassuring neighboring countries that these agreements would not jeopardize their longstanding alliances.
The introduction of these agreements has already led to protests on Rarotonga, the largest island in the Cook Islands, and resulted in a parliamentary vote of no confidence against Prime Minister Brown, from which he ultimately emerged unscathed.
As a “free association” partner, New Zealand supports the Cook Islands in matters of defense and foreign policy, having provided NZ$194 million in funding over the last three years. In terms of its population, approximately 15,000 Cook Islanders reside in their homeland, while an estimated 100,000 live in New Zealand and Australia, revealing significant cultural and familial ties, especially between Cook Islands Māori and New Zealand Māori.
This historical connection accents the robust reactions to the Cook Islands' pioneering agreements with China, which surfaced alongside the nation’s recent attempts to assert more autonomy, such as an abandoned proposal to create its own passport last year.
“We hope constructive dialogue will lead to a swift resolution of our concerns,” stated a spokesperson for Peters. In response, the Cook Islands government recognized the urgency of the situation, reaffirming their appreciation for New Zealand's support throughout the years. The Cook Islands Foreign Ministry is committed to engaging in constructive discussions to address New Zealand's reservations.
This funding suspension comes as Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of New Zealand visits China to meet with President Xi Jinping. Despite worries about the implications of this funding halt, Peters' spokesperson asserted confidence in the “special relationship” between Wellington and the Cook Islands.
China’s overtures to the Cook Islands represent part of its wider strategy to strengthen ties with smaller Pacific nations, which has previously alarmed Western powers, particularly following China's security deal with the Solomon Islands in 2022. Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown previously stated that deals with China align with their “long-term interests” while reassuring neighboring countries that these agreements would not jeopardize their longstanding alliances.
The introduction of these agreements has already led to protests on Rarotonga, the largest island in the Cook Islands, and resulted in a parliamentary vote of no confidence against Prime Minister Brown, from which he ultimately emerged unscathed.
As a “free association” partner, New Zealand supports the Cook Islands in matters of defense and foreign policy, having provided NZ$194 million in funding over the last three years. In terms of its population, approximately 15,000 Cook Islanders reside in their homeland, while an estimated 100,000 live in New Zealand and Australia, revealing significant cultural and familial ties, especially between Cook Islands Māori and New Zealand Māori.
This historical connection accents the robust reactions to the Cook Islands' pioneering agreements with China, which surfaced alongside the nation’s recent attempts to assert more autonomy, such as an abandoned proposal to create its own passport last year.
