Shanghai-based news outlet Guancha.cn reported that, on June 18, New Zealand announced the suspension of NZ$18.2 million in funding to the Cook Islands, nation in the South Pacific with political links to New Zealand. The New Zealand government cited a breach of trust in their bilateral relationship. The decision came after the Cook Islands deepened ties with China without sufficient consultation with New Zealand, which is required under their security and diplomatic agreements. The Cook Islands, a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand, relies on New Zealand for defense and security, and its citizens hold New Zealand citizenship.
The Cook Islands’ Foreign Ministry acknowledged a “difference in understanding” regarding consultation obligations and stated that both sides are working to resolve the issue. They have established formal dialogue mechanisms and an assessment of the risks posed by the agreements between the Cook Islands and China are underway.
In February of 2025, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown visited China and signed several cooperation agreements covering areas such as deep-sea mining and education, not involving matters of security. The government of New Zealand later argued that proper consultation should have occurred before the deals were finalized.
This incident reflects broader concerns in New Zealand and Australia about China’s expanding influence in the Pacific, which they increasingly perceive as a potential security threat. Earlier in 2025, New Zealand also cut off development aid to Kiribati over similar issues related to China’s presence in the region.
Source: Guancha.cn, June 19, 2025
https://www.guancha.cn/internation/2025_06_19_780041.shtml