New Zealand yesterday expressed renewed concern about the prime minister of the Cook Islands traveling to China this week to sign agreements without properly consulting with Wellington despite the two nations’ constitutional ties.
New Zealand has become increasingly cautious about China’s growing presence in the region and the potential threats it poses to the New Zealand’s national security.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at a news conference yesterday said that New Zealand expected transparency and consultation after Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown announced that he was heading to China seeking a partnership in national development, including infrastructure, trade and the economy.
Photo: Reuters
The Cook Islands is a nation in free association with New Zealand, which provides budget support and commits to defend the South Pacific nation, whose people are New Zealand citizens.
“Under our constitutional arrangements, we expect, you know, matters of defense and security to be transparently discussed between partners. That’s all we’re asking for here,” Luxon said.
He said once New Zealand knew what was in the proposed partnership, the government would respond.
China did not confirm the visit, but the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday called the Cook Islands an important partner in the South Pacific.
“China believes that New Zealand and the Cook Islands are both important partners of China,” ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun (郭嘉昆) said.
New Zealand has repeatedly asked the Cook Islands to consult on the contents of agreements that Brown plans to sign with China, but has not received a proper response, New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peter’s office said in a statement on Sunday.
Cook Islanders have also questioned secrecy around the agreement.
Tina Browne, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, told New Zealand-based radio station 531pn that people are concerned about the lack of consultation about a proposed Cook Islands passport and then about the agreement with China.
“If there is nothing to hide, why are we not consulting with New Zealand?” Browne asked.
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