Cook Islands PM pledges to release details of China deal

18/2/2025 13:23

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown said he would release soon the full details of a comprehensive strategic partnership deal signed between China and his country, which has raised concerns in New Zealand with which it has constitutional ties.



New Zealand has said its concerns about Brown's visit to China stem from not having seen the agreements that he plans to sign ahead of the trip, even though it asked to review them.



The Cook Island News said in a report, Brown told reporters, after returning home on Monday from China, that Wellington should not have any concerns after it reviews the deal.



Brown said, the details will be "out online very shortly, people can see for themselves."



China will provide the Pacific nation of 15,000 people with a one-time grant of about $4 million, Brown said during the media briefing.



Opposition parties on Tuesday protested against the deal with more than 400 people, with some holding signs "Stay connected with New Zealand", gathered outside the parliament in the capital city of Avarua, Radio New Zealand said in a report.