China, Cook Islands and Helen Clark

What is the Cook Islands deal with China and what has worried NZ?
Growing ties between Cook Islands and China, including a new comprehensive partnership agreement action plan detailed this week, have raised concerns in New Zealand, which has a close constitutional relationship with its tiny Pacific neighbour.
‘Clandestine’ Cook Islands-China deal ‘damaged’ NZ relationship, says Clark
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark maintains that Cook Islands, a realm of New Zealand, should have consulted Wellington before signing a “partnership” deal with China. “ [Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown] seems to have signed behind the backs of his own people as well as of New Zealand,” Clark told RNZ Pacific.
‘Clandestine’ Cook Islands-China deal ‘damaged’ NZ relationship – Helen Clark
The former prime minister maintains that Cook Islands should have consulted Wellington before signing a “partnership” deal with China.Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific Journalist Former New
Cook Islanders Protest Deal With China - TaiwanPlus News
A recent deal between China and the Cook Islands has spurred protests in the Islands over controversial deep-sea mining provisions and what some residents perceive as threats to its close ties to New Zealand.
New Zealand Calls for 'Reset' in Relations with Cook Islands Over China Deal
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has called for a reset in government-to-government relations with the Cook Islands after its Pacific neighbor signed agreements with China without consultation.
China’s strategic deal with Cook Islands sparks global debate
China has signed a wide-ranging deal with the Cook Islands, sparking concerns over Beijing’s growing influence in the Pacific. The Cook Islands Prime Minister defended the agreement amid global scrutiny.
New Zealand to seek Cook Islands reset over China pact
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has used a policy address to remind the Cook Islands of their responsibilities under a longstanding pact with New Zealand.
China opposes Vietnam's building work on disputed reef in South China Sea
China opposes Vietnam's construction activities on a disputed islet in the South China Sea known as the Barque Canada Reef, its foreign ministry said on Wednesday.
MercoPress6d
International Court to listen arguments from Bolivia and Chile on the disputed access to the Pacific
where they will present their arguments over a disputed 380 kilometer coastline on the Pacific Ocean. Relations between Bolivia and Chile have been historically strained over the territory ...
CNN11d
A US ally is reconsidering aid to a strategic Pacific nation. Will China move in?
Pacific allies don’t usually air their dirty laundry in public. But a rare on-the-record dispute between New Zealand and Kiribati has renewed focus on the poor and isolated island nation ...
The Independent6d
Miss Pacific Islands pageant sparks diplomatic dispute after judges stopped at border
Solomon Islands said that it had lifted the notice on Wednesday afternoon but an investigation into “alleged fraudulent activities during the crowning of the Miss Pacific on Saturday 8th ...
US Condemns 'Dangerous' Manoeuvres by Chinese Navy in South China Sea
The United States condemned the "dangerous" manoeuvres of a Chinese navy helicopter that endangered the safety of a Philippine government aircraft patrolling a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, ...