Cook Islands Signs Deal for Closer Ties With China

Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang meeting with his Cook Islands counterpart Mark Brown in Harbin on February 15, 2025. Image via the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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.

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.

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