Questions remain unanswered regarding the freshly-inked Cook Islands agreement with China, raising the ire of the Cook Islands public, political opposition, and New Zealand officials.
Cook lslands Prime Minister Mark Brown is due to return from China this afternoon, following a week-long state visit where he signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement.
Opposition MP Teariki Heather says there is a nervous wait to find out the details.
“There’s a bit of ‘still in the air’ regarding his trip and also questions, what has he signed with Republic of China?
“It’ll be pretty tense”, says Heather. “People are getting frustrated and angry.
“Like everyone else, we’re still biting our nails on what’s really [been] signed.”
The agreement collaboration includes plans to grow marine research, sustainable growth options for the pearl and oyster farms in the Southern islands of Pa Enua, and climate resilience projects such as weather forecasting.
Meanwhile, Brown’s office says the agreement will be made public “in the coming days”.
“Our Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) and the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) will provide further updates on the details of our meetings, including specific opportunities in the blue economy, scientific research, and trade development.
“This provides opportunities for our government, our private sector and our people to benefit from enhanced partnership opportunities with China in areas aligned with our national interests and long-term development goals.”
Brown insists the Cook Islands has met it’s obligations to consult with New Zealand, and the agreement “complements, not replaces’ the relationship with New Zealand.
Victoria University senior lecturer in international relations Dr Iati Iati told Radio New Zealand the situation is murky as to what “consulation” means between both countries.
“If you go back to the 2001 declaration there are provisions that provide for consultation… but if you look at the declaration the Cook Islands has a really good case that they’re on solid ground and the consultation they’ve done already with Winston Peters and some of the Government ministers has been sufficient.”
The Cook Islands parliament will convene for the first time this year on Tuesday, New Zealand time. A motion of no confidence has been filed by the opposition and Heather says a protest is also scheduled.
“We are marching tomorrow to show solidarity, our relationship with New Zealanders, that’s most important to all the people of the Cook Islands.”
The office of New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says once the agreements are available, New Zealand will “consider them closely, in light of both countries’ mutual constitutional responsibilities”.
Speaking to PMN, Heather says locals are fearful there might be some retaliation from New Zealand to the agreement and want to reiterate their connection to New Zealand, and acknowledge the support they’ve received from Aotearoa.
“What’s most important for the march tomorrow, is actually [that] we standing up for all the people of the Cook Islands, especially our relationship, that’s the most important one for us marching tomorrow,” said Heather.
