The Cook Islands has taken a bold step in expanding its international partnerships by signing a strategic cooperation agreement with China. The deal, which includes trade, investment, and infrastructure projects, has raised concerns among traditional allies such as New Zealand and Australia, particularly due to its implications for the region’s geopolitical balance.
A key aspect of the agreement involves China’s increasing involvement in the Cook Islands’ seabed mining industry. Under the deal, Chinese firms will collaborate with Cook Islands authorities to explore and potentially extract valuable minerals from the country’s deep-sea deposits. The Cook Islands government has argued that seabed mining could unlock a new economic frontier, reducing reliance on tourism and fisheries. However, the industry has drawn criticism from environmental groups and international watchdogs concerned about its ecological impact.
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown is set to visit Beijing to formalise additional aspects of the partnership. Brown has defended the agreement, stating that it aligns with the Cook Islands’ long-term economic interests. “China has been a strong development partner, and this cooperation will support our sustainable economic aspirations,” he said.
Analysts believe this deal could mark a shift in Pacific geopolitics, as China continues to expand its influence in the region through infrastructure and resource extraction agreements. Australia and New Zealand have responded cautiously, with indications that they may counter the agreement by offering alternative investment and development projects.
Australia and the Cook Islands maintain a modest trade relationship, with two-way goods and services trade valued at approximately AUD 104 million in 2023. Australia’s primary exports to the Cook Islands include recreational travel, boats and floating structures, and alcoholic beverages, while the Cook Islands’ main exports to Australia are crustaceans, as well as recreational and business travels. Both nations are signatories to the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus).
Beyond trade, Australia and the Cook Islands collaborate closely through the ‘Oa Tumanava Partnership, focusing on transformative and climate-resilient infrastructure investments, gender equality, and social inclusion initiatives.
The Cook Islands’ decision also underscores a broader trend among Pacific Island nations seeking diversified economic partnerships. While China’s involvement offers financial and technical benefits, it also brings heightened scrutiny from Western powers wary of Beijing’s expanding reach in the Pacific.
As negotiations continue, the long-term impact of this agreement on the Cook Islands’ economy, environment, and regional diplomacy remains to be seen.
The move, however, has unsettled New Zealand, which has traditionally maintained close ties with the Cook Islands. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed concern over the deal, highlighting the lack of prior consultation with Wellington. “We respect the Cook Islands’ sovereignty, but given our deep historical and economic ties, we would have expected greater transparency in such a significant agreement,” Peters said.
