Cook Islands Signs Five-Year Agreement with China for Seabed Mineral Exploration, Raising Concerns in New Zealand

The Cook Islands has entered into a five-year agreement with China to collaborate on the exploration and research of seabed mineral resources. Signed on February 14, the agreement focuses on seabed mineral-related training, technology transfer, logistics support, and research into deep-sea ecosystems. The Cook Islands government clarified that the agreement does not include any provisions for granting exploration or mining licenses.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown views this agreement as part of a broader strategic alliance with China, emphasizing cooperation around networking, investment, and resource exploitation. New Zealand, a close partner and former colonial ruler, has expressed concern about the perceived lack of transparency regarding details of the negotiations. New Zealand has requested detailed documentation of all agreements finalized during Prime Minister Brown's trip to China. Australia and the United States have also expressed interest in the evolving power dynamics in the Pacific.