Source link : https://news7.asia/news/the-cook-islands-sign-a-strategic-partnership-with-china/
The Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Mark Brown, in Washington, on September 25, 2023. Leah Millis / Reuters a “strategic partnership” between the Cook Islands, located west of French Polynesia, and China. The Prime Minister of the small archipelago of 17,000 inhabitants, Mark Brown, announced his signature on Saturday February 15, while claiming that he “does not replace” relations with the neighbors of the Pacific, a region where Beijing seeks to extend its influence. The manager then concluded a five -day visit to China, where he met his counterpart, Li Qiang. Read also (2023): Joe Biden officially recognizes the Cook Islands and Niue in the Pacific, against a background of tensions with China later Read the agreement covers “areas aligned with our national interests and our long -term development objectives” , said in a press release Mr. Brown, revealing this “action plan for a full strategic partnership”. China wants to accentuate its diplomatic, economic and military influence in the Pacific Ocean, a crucial area full of mining resources in the great funds. And this by contesting the historical presence of Australia, New Zealand and the United States. The Solomon and Kiribati Islands are other beneficiaries of Chinese aid in the region. “Concern” in New Zealand Mark Brown indicated that the partnership of the Cook Islands with Beijing focused in particular on trade, investment, oceanography, infrastructure and transport, adding that details would be given “in the coming days ». “Our relationship and our commitment with China complete, and not replace, our long-standing relationships with New Zealand and other multiple bilateral, regional and multilateral partners,” he said. The archipelago has a “free association” agreement with Wellington, which provides it with budgetary support and assistance in foreign affairs and defense. New Zealand diplomacy had also expressed its “concern” before Mr. Brown’s visit to China. The world with AFP reuse this content
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Author : News7
Publish date : 2025-02-16 07:03:47
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