Cook Islands–China Relations and Implications for the Pacific

Abstract

The great power competition between China and traditional powers is intensifying in the Pacific region. China is looking for opportunities to increase its engagement with Pacific Island countries, including the Cook Islands. The Cook Islands is a self-governed Pacific Island country in free association with New Zealand (Government of the Cook Islands and Government of New Zealand 2001; Firth 1989). This relationship has continued to evolve and generate tensions, particularly regarding Cook Islands’ sovereignty. It became more complicated after the visit to China by Cook Islands’ Prime Minister Mark Brown in February this year where he held a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and attended the closing ceremony of the Asian Winter Games. This In Brief will discuss the controversies of the visit, perceptions in the Cook Islands of the visit and, briefly, the implications for the Cook Islands and the Pacific region at large.