A diplomatic row has erupted between two tight-knit Pacific countries, after New Zealand said the Cook Islands failed to properly consult on its plans to deepen ties with China amid growing concerns over Beijing’s push for influence in the region, Report informs via The Guardian.
The Cook Islands was a dependent New Zealand colony from 1901-1965 but has since operated as a self-governing nation in “free association” with New Zealand. Its roughly 17,000 citizens hold New Zealand citizenship. There are obligations between the two nations to regularly consult on matters of defense and security.
Cook Islands prime minister Mark Brown is traveling to Beijing this week to sign a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with China, but has not revealed the specifics of the plans to New Zealand – a move New Zealand’s deputy prime minister Winston Peters says is “a matter of significant concern.”
Peters’ attempts to gain from Brown “fulsome” information about the agreement hit a dead-end during talks on Friday, his office confirmed to the Guardian.
“The time has now passed. We therefore view the Cook Islands as having failed to properly consult New Zealand with respect to any agreements it plans to sign this coming week in China.”
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told media on Monday the relationship between the nations was close but transparency was important.
“In this case, there hasn’t been [transparency], and that’s all we’re asking for,” he said.
