The Cook Islands’ Foreign Affairs Minister Tingika Elikana has announced that no advancement has been made since the signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China three months ago. Despite the Action Plan for Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) 2025-2030 and three memorandums of understanding signed during Prime Minister Mark Brown’s state visit in February, the Cook Islands has yet to engage further with China to discuss the implementation of potential projects under these agreements.
Elikana pointed out that the partnership focuses on economic, infrastructure, maritime development, and seabed mineral collaboration, but lacks security components. While there are expectations for future engagements during Elikana’s upcoming ministerial meeting in China, he does not foresee major outcomes at this time, stating, “I think the good thing with that is we have an agreement now in principle… implementing things within it, we haven’t moved on yet.”
The Cook Islands government is assessing which areas could benefit most from Chinese assistance, with an emphasis on identifying projects that align with local needs. Currently, the only ongoing collaboration mentioned is a shipping project that predates the strategic partnership agreement.
Additionally, the government has allocated $3 million in its budget for procuring a new vessel from China, reinforcing their ongoing shipping collaboration. However, Elikana noted that there is no established timeline for implementing the signed agreements, stating, “It’s a matter of identifying which areas of cooperation we will engage.”
Concerns regarding the Cook Islands’ engagement with China, especially in light of its relationship with traditional partners like New Zealand, have heightened. New Zealand has expressed unease about a lack of prior consultation and transparency surrounding these agreements. Elikana mentioned there has been no recent communication from New Zealand but is hopeful for discussions during the annual joint ministerial meetings, aiming to address their concerns.
This situation reflects a broader narrative in the Cook Islands as it strives for economic growth while navigating the complex dynamics of international relationships, particularly in the Pacific region, where partnerships with emerging powers like China can provide opportunities but also raise questions around sovereignty and transparency.
In these challenging circumstances, the Cook Islands has a pivotal opportunity to strengthen its international relations while ensuring its historical alliances remain secure. By fostering open dialogue with all partners, including New Zealand, the nation can navigate its development path effectively, promoting mutual respect and beneficial cooperation.
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