New Zealand-Cook Islands deal reignites diplomatic spat as Winston Peters responds to China’s comments

A declaration has been formally signed in Rarotonga by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown. Photo / Azaria Howell

In response to the agreement, which effectively sidelines previous deals between China and the Cook Islands, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told AP that China “will continue to deepen pragmatic co-operation with the Cook Islands”.

“The Cook Islands is China’s important co-operation partner in the South Pacific. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have always respected each other, treated each other as equals and pursued shared development. China will continue to deepen pragmatic co-operation with the Cook Islands and deliver more benefits to the two peoples.

“The China-Cook Islands relationship doesn’t target any third party, nor should it be disrupted or constrained by any third party. In developing the relations with the Pacific Island countries, all parties should respect the independence of island countries, put development first, and uphold openness and inclusiveness.”

Associated Press: New Zealand and the Cook Islands signed a new defense and security agreement today that effectively sidelines previous deals signed between the Cook Islands and China. If you can tell us what’s China’s comment on that?

Mao Ning: The Cook Islands is China’s… pic.twitter.com/bXGw41iobu

— ChineseEmbassyInNZ (@ChinaEmbInNZ) April 2, 2026

When asked about Mao’s comments by the Herald today, Peters said, “China’s response is a matter for them”.

“The declaration signed in Rarotonga yesterday is about New Zealand and the Cook Islands and not any other countries,” a spokesperson for Peters said.

“It affirms the special relationship that the Cook Islands and New Zealand share, and our responsibilities to one another in the defence and security domains. Those responsibilities are set out clearly and both signatories have agreed to honour them.”

Speaking during yesterday’s signing ceremony, Peters said recent disagreements between the two nations had “caused unnecessary anxiety” and the declaration aimed to ensure a “restored confidence and renewed focus” for both Governments.

The relationship between New Zealand and the Cook Islands suffered significantly after the country, which is in free association with New Zealand, signed a deal with China without significant consultation.

Questioned whether the Cook Islands-China deals would be affected by the new agreement, Brown said yesterday the declaration focused on “security and defence” across the Pacific, and he was confident the provisions “will address any concerns that may have occurred in the past and will certainly address any concerns moving forward”.

The Foreign Minister’s trip marked the first visit from a New Zealand Cabinet minister to the Cook Islands since an agreement with China came to fruition in February 2025.