Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
Protest in Cook Islands over deal with China on economy and seabed mining
NBC News
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February 18, 2025
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — 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....
Can Pacific nations regulate the risks of deep-sea mining?
Matangi Tonga Online
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May 11, 2025
By Nicholas Bainton and Philippa Louey On 24 April 2025, the Trump administration issued Executive Order 14285 mandating federal agencies to expedite permits for seabed mining under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act of 1980. Trump wants...
Ruta Mave: Cook Islands, it’s time to wake up
Cook Island News
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February 24, 2025
Ruta Tangiiau Mave. Photo: CI NEWS It has been an ice water wake up to 2025 with the proposed passport, and the China deal shaking up our relationship with New Zealand, we are going to build ports with China, all while their warships are firing...
Former PM Puna joins deep-sea mining company board
Cook Island News
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May 9, 2025
Former Cook Islands PM Henry Puna. CIIC/25050824 A former Cook Islands prime minister, who championed one of the world’s largest multi-use marine protected areas, has been appointed to the board of the government-owned deep-sea mining company. The...
What is the Cook Islands deal with China, and why is it spooking NZ?
Malay Mail
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February 20, 2025
WELLINGTON, Feb 20 — Growing ties between Cook Islands and China, including a new comprehensive partnership agreement action plan detailed this week, have raised concerns in New Zealand, which has a close constitutional relationship with its tiny...
Winston Peters: New Zealand calls for transparency as Cook Islands-China deal...
Pacific News Service
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New Zealand is calling for “consultation and transparency” as a deal struck between the Cook Islands and China is released as tensions over the agreement persist. The “Action Plan 2025-2030″ for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the...
If New Zealand wants to restate terms with Cook Islands, it should step up support
The Strategist
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February 19, 2025
New Zealand wants to renegotiate its free association agreements with Cook Islands to secure increased transparency in its foreign partnerships. To do so, New Zealand will need to step up its own support and can learn a thing or two from...
Double standard? NZ criticises Cook Islands' China deal while backing US ties
Pacific Media Network
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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon rejects suggestions of a double standard in New Zealand’s stance on the Cook Islands' partnerships with the United States (US) and China. On 18 February, the Cook Islands government released a controversial...
Andrew Dickens: NZ missed its chance with the Cook Islands
Newstalk ZB
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February 23, 2025
So, the weekend has been spent watching the Chinese Navy use the Tasman Sea as a firing range. They’ve never done this so far south before and you have to wonder why. Defence commentators call it a power projection. Sure, but don’t project power...
What is the Cook Islands deal with China and what has worried NZ?
Dunya News
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World World What is the Cook Islands deal with China and what has worried NZ? Close The Cook Islands are a group of 15 small islands and atolls rich in seabed mineral resources Published On: Wed, 19 Feb 2025 12:39:25 PKT WELLINGTON (Reuters) –...
Explainer: What is the Cook Islands deal with China and what has worried New Zealand?
The Straits Times
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February 19, 2025
WELLINGTON - Growing ties between Cook Islands and China, including a new comprehensive partnership agreement action plan detailed this week, have raised concerns in New Zealand, which has a close constitutional relationship with its tiny Pacific...
NZ must ‘reset’ ties with Cook Islands: minister
Taipei Times
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February 19, 2025
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters yesterday said that his country must “reset” its relationship with the Cook Islands government after its Pacific neighbor signed agreements with China without consultation. In a speech to the Pacific...
New Zealand must ‘reset’ Cook Islands ties after China pact: Foreign Minister
The Straits Times
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February 19, 2025
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters also addressed tensions with Kiribati after its government cancelled a planned visit.PHOTO: REUTERS WELLINGTON - New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said on Feb 19 that his country must “reset”...
‘People feel blindsided’: Te Pāti Māori co-leader backs Cook Islands protest
Pacific Media Network
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A Te Pāti Māori co-leader at a Rarotonga protest over the Cook Islands’ China deal urges politicians to remember who they serve. Concerns have been raised after Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown’s return from China, where a controversial...
Explainer-What is the Cook Islands deal with China and what has worried NZ?
KFGO - North Dakota
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February 19, 2025
By Lucy Craymer WELLINGTON (Reuters) – Growing ties between Cook Islands and China, including a new comprehensive partnership agreement action plan detailed this week, have raised concerns in New Zealand, which has a close constitutional...
NZ must 'reset' relationship with Cook Islands: Peters
Otago Daily Times
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February 19, 2025
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said today the country must “reset” its relationship with the Cook Islands government after its Pacific neighbour signed agreements with China without consultation. In a speech to the Pacific Island...
NZ concerns: Is Cook Islands-China deal shipshape?
Newsroom
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February 18, 2025
The New Zealand Government says the Cook Islands must share more information about the deals it has signed with China, following the release of an ‘action plan’ in the face of protests in the Pacific nation’s capital. The Cook Islands government...
New Zealand must ‘reset’ Cook Islands ties after China pact, foreign minister says
The Gazette - Colorado
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By Christine Chen (Reuters) - New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said on Wednesday his country must “reset” its relationship with the Cook Islands government after its Pacific neighbour signed agreements with China without consultation....
The Cook Islands/China strategic partnership is a huge diplomatic failure - Richard Prebble
The New Zealand Herald
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February 18, 2025
Impressive. But in the Pacific, it is personal relationships. A very successful High Commissioner to the Cooks was the late Brian Donnelly, the popular former New Zealand First MP. Donnelly had been deputy principal at Titikaveka College in...
Hundreds protest as Cook Islands PM faces no confidence vote
ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
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February 18, 2025
Hundreds of Cook Islanders gathered outside the parliament in Avarua to protest the government's new strategic partnership with China and plans for a Cook Islands passport. Prime Minister Mark Brown has been forced to defend the deal, which the...