Cook Islands PM Reaches Out to New Zealand Amidst China Concerns
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Synopsis
After weeks of diplomatic silence, Cook Islands PM Mark Brown communicated with New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon regarding their recent tensions over a China agreement. The pact involves seabed mining and raises concerns about China's influence in the Pacific region.
Key Takeaways
- Mark Brown reaches out to Christopher Luxon.
- Cook Islands signed a five-year agreement with China.
- The deal includes seabed mining and diplomatic missions.
- Concerns arise over China's strategic presence in the Pacific.
- Transparency in foreign relations emphasized by Luxon.
Wellington, Feb 26 (NationPress) Mark Brown, the Prime Minister of Cook Islands, communicated with his New Zealand counterpart, Christopher Luxon, on Wednesday following a prolonged period of diplomatic quietude.
The two countries experienced tensions after Brown finalized a five-year pact with China to collaborate on the exploration and study of the Pacific nation's seabed mineral resources.
This agreement encompassed cooperation in seabed mining, the formation of diplomatic missions, and preferential status in regional and multilateral discussions.
Previously, Luxon and New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters had both expressed discontent towards Brown for failing to disclose the specifics of the arrangements with China before their signing, according to local media Radio New Zealand.
In an interview with the Pacific Media News Network last week, Luxon highlighted the significance of transparency.
"We find ourselves at a genuine impasse because under free association, as per our constitutional agreements, we hold clear rights and responsibilities, particularly concerning defence, foreign affairs, and security," stated Luxon.
"We expect transparency and openness regarding ongoing proposals since we carry obligations around defence and security that must be effectively managed," he added.
Recently, the sight of Chinese warships and their live-fire drills raised alarm bells in both New Zealand and Australia.
New Zealand's Defence Minister Judith Collins linked these Chinese activities to the agreement established between China and the Cook Islands.
She remarked that the deal with the Cook Islands for access to its seabed minerals is "unusual" and serves to amplify China's strategic footprint in the Pacific.
New Zealand and the Cook Islands share a close partnership, featuring numerous constitutional, Pacific, and interpersonal connections. With the recent pact with the Cook Islands, China is seeking to enhance its influence in the geopolitically crucial Pacific area.
While speaking at an Association of Southeast Nations 'future forum' in Hanoi on Wednesday, Luxon advocated for prosperity and security within the Indo-Pacific, as reported by Radio New Zealand.
Without specifically mentioning China, he stated, "The Indo-Pacific serves as both the driving force of global economic activity and a potential flashpoint for geopolitical strife. Military expansion and modernization are occurring at a scale unseen in this region for over half a century."
