New Zealand Suspends Aid to Pacific Nation Amid Growing China Connection: What It Means for the Region

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand has put a hold on millions of dollars in funding to the Cook Islands because of concerns over their agreements with China, officials announced on Thursday.

During his first official trip to China, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed that the Cook Islands hasn’t been open about its “comprehensive strategic partnership” with China. “We’ve paused some of the aid money until we can clarify these issues,” he said while in Shanghai.

Relations between the Cook Islands and its larger regional partners, like Australia and New Zealand, have become strained recently. This shift comes as China aims to increase its influence in the Pacific. The Cook Islands operates independently but maintains connections with New Zealand through shared military and passport agreements.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown clarified that the funding is “not halted, it’s paused,” and downplayed the frozen amount, which is significant since New Zealand is the largest donor to the Cook Islands.

The halt, totaling 18.2 million New Zealand dollars ($11 million), was only disclosed when a local news outlet found it in a budget document. This challenge could complicate Luxon’s upcoming meeting with President Xi Jinping.

China defends its cooperation with the Cook Islands, stating that the agreements are not meant to provoke New Zealand. “China-Cook Islands cooperation targets no third party,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun.

The Cook Islands Parliament recently acknowledged a 10 million New Zealand dollar ($6 million) reduction in government finances due to this funding pause. This money was earmarked for essential services like health and education. Over the past three years, New Zealand has contributed around NZ $200 million as part of a nearly 60-year-old compact with the Cook Islands, which includes requirements for consultation on foreign agreements.

The agreements with China raised concerns in Wellington. Although these deals do not promise security cooperation with Beijing, they aim to boost funding for infrastructure and education. However, not all documents related to these agreements were publicly shared.

A spokesperson for New Zealand’s Foreign Minister mentioned that these deals highlight a misunderstanding about the necessary consultation meant to protect shared interests. The “breadth and content” of these agreements led to the suspension of the funding.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Brown insists that the Cook Islands’ new agreements with China are simply additions to their existing relationships with countries like New Zealand and Australia. Recent protests in Avarua, led by opposition lawmakers, show a growing concern among Cook Islanders regarding these agreements.

Brown also noted Luxon’s visit to China, suggesting that it reflects a balance with his administration’s partnerships. He expressed faith that any agreements made would not threaten Cook Islands’ security, even if details remain unclear.

Analyst Mihai Sora from the Lowy Institute commented on this situation, stating that the Cook Islands’ moves were avoidable and expressed caution against engaging too deeply with China amidst rising tensions in the Pacific.

Recent data highlights a trend of increasing Chinese engagement in the Pacific, which worries some experts. According to a 2023 survey by the Lowy Institute, 70% of Pacific Islands Forum leaders expressed concern about growing Chinese influence in the region. This situation emphasizes the delicate balance these smaller nations must maintain while pursuing foreign partnerships.

It’s clear that the Cook Islands are navigating a complex landscape, balancing relationships with major powers while trying to secure a prosperous future for their citizens.

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New Zealand, Cook Islands, China, New Zealand government, Mark Brown, General news, Asia Pacific, World news, Christopher Luxon, Education funding, Xi Jinping, China government, Politics