The Cook Islands have stirred up tensions among their traditional allies by striking a series of deals with China, catching both New Zealand and Australia off guard. Prime Minister Mark Brown’s agreements with China cover a wide range of sectors, including infrastructure, ship-building, tourism, agriculture, technology, education, and deep-sea mineral exploration, marking a departure from the Cook Islands’ usual alliances.
These deals have sparked protests in the largest Cook Island, Rarotonga, and even led to a vote of no confidence against Brown in parliament, though he managed to survive. Despite New Zealand feeling "blindsided" by the developments, Brown has defended his country’s independence and decision-making autonomy, emphasizing that the agreements with China do not replace existing relationships with other nations.
The Cook Islands’ historical ties with New Zealand date back to the 1960s, with a "free association" arrangement that includes collaboration on defense and foreign affairs. However, recent moves by Brown, such as abandoning a proposed Cook Islands passport, have raised concerns about distancing the nation from New Zealand.
While some Cook Islanders support Brown’s initiatives, others fear the potential consequences of straying from established partnerships. The rise of China’s influence in the Pacific region has been a growing concern for Western powers like the US and its allies, prompting efforts to counterbalance China’s expanding presence. The shifting dynamics in the Pacific come at a time when global uncertainties, such as the unpredictability of the Trump administration, further complicate the geopolitical landscape.