{"id":361189,"date":"2026-04-03T01:42:13","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T01:42:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/361189\/"},"modified":"2026-04-03T01:42:13","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T01:42:13","slug":"new-zealand-cook-islands-deal-reignites-diplomatic-spat-as-winston-peters-responds-to-chinas-comments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/361189\/","title":{"rendered":"New Zealand-Cook Islands deal reignites diplomatic spat as Winston Peters responds to China\u2019s comments"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"AA declaration has been formally signed in Rarotonga by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown. Photo \/ Azaria Howell<\/p>\n

In response to the agreement, which effectively sidelines previous deals between China and the Cook Islands, China\u2019s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told AP that China \u201cwill continue to deepen pragmatic co-operation with the Cook Islands\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Cook Islands is China\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe China-Cook Islands relationship doesn\u2019t 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u2019s China\u2019s comment on that?<\/p>\n

Mao Ning: The Cook Islands is China\u2019s\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/bXGw41iobu<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 ChineseEmbassyInNZ (@ChinaEmbInNZ) April 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

When asked about Mao\u2019s comments by the Herald today, Peters said, \u201cChina\u2019s response is a matter for them\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe declaration signed in Rarotonga yesterday is about New Zealand and the Cook Islands and not any other countries,\u201d a spokesperson for Peters said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speaking during yesterday\u2019s signing ceremony, Peters said recent disagreements between the two nations<\/a> had \u201ccaused unnecessary anxiety\u201d and the declaration aimed to ensure a \u201crestored confidence and renewed focus\u201d for both Governments.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Questioned whether the Cook Islands-China deals would be affected by the new agreement, Brown said yesterday the declaration focused on \u201csecurity and defence\u201d across the Pacific, and he was confident the provisions \u201cwill address any concerns that may have occurred in the past and will certainly address any concerns moving forward\u201d.<\/p>\n

The Foreign Minister\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n