The Cook Islands announced a five-year memorandum of understanding with China for exploring seabed minerals, including technology transfer and research. While this deal signals a strengthening of ties with China, it has raised concerns in New Zealand regarding the implications for their close association. New Zealand urged the Cook Islands to maintain its free association relationship, emphasizing the importance of consultations. Prime Minister Mark Brown reassured that the agreement does not permit mining and stressed regulatory oversight will govern the seabed sector, reflecting a commitment to national development and regional resilience.
The Cook Islands has signed a five-year agreement with China focused on the exploration of seabed minerals, renewing international partnerships amidst regional tensions with New Zealand.
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown emphasized that the seabed minerals sector would remain subject to strict regulatory oversight, assuring that no mining licenses are included in the agreement.
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