Cook Islands PM defends signing of wide-ranging deal with China

<p>Mark Brown says Beijing deal that covers trade, investment, oceans, infrastructure and transport complements ties with New Zealand</p><p>The Cook Islands says it has signed a deal to expand relations with China, stressing that the accord does not impinge on ties with former colonial power New Zealand.</p><p>Prime minister Mark Brown said he signed an “action plan for the comprehensive strategic partnership” with Chinese premier Li Qiang in the northern city of Harbin during a five-day state visit to China last week.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/17/cook-islands-signs-china-deal-agreement">Continue reading...</a>