• Cook Islands PM Mark Brown plans to sign a strategic partnership with China.
• New Zealand expresses concern over the lack of transparency in the deal.
• The relationship may impact New Zealand's funding and support for the Cook Islands.
• This agreement highlights China’s expanding influence in the Pacific region, historically dominated by New Zealand and the US.

WELLINGTON, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Tensions are escalating between New Zealand and the Cook Islands as Prime Minister Mark Brown embarks on a state visit to China to sign a strategic partnership agreement. This agreement has raised alarms in New Zealand due to perceived transparency issues and the implications for their long-standing ties. As noted by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, the arrangement comes amid concerns over China's increasing influence in the Pacific region, which New Zealand views as a direct challenge to its strategic interests.

The Cook Islands, a self-governing nation in free association with New Zealand, plans to sign a Joint Action Plan for Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Brown's visit from February 10-14. Although the exact details of the agreement have not been disclosed, it is said to involve sectors such as trade, infrastructure, and tourism, while avoiding issues related to security and defense, as emphasized by Al Jazeera.

Brown's trip has drawn criticism from New Zealand, with Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters stating that the lack of communication regarding the deal undermines their constitutional agreement, which expects regular consultation on foreign policy matters and defense. "We expect transparency and consultation," Luxon articulated, highlighting the diplomatic friction that is developing over the agreement with China, as reported by BBC.

China's engagement in the Pacific, particularly through investments and development initiatives, has been on the rise. The Cook Islands’ relationship with Beijing has grown since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1997. The agreement is expected to bring various economic opportunities, with Cook Islands’ leaders claiming the partnership will ensure that their national interest remains a priority. However, New Zealand remains guarded, recalling similar agreements that other Pacific nations have entered into, such as the controversial security pact between China and the Solomon Islands.

Opposition leaders in the Cook Islands have criticized Brown for not properly consulting citizens about the deal. Tina Browne, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, questioned the lack of engagement, stating that "if there is nothing to hide, why are we not consulting with New Zealand?". In a video statement, Brown defended the decision-making process, asserting that international affairs had always been conducted with integrity and verified that all engagements are designed in the best interest of the Cook Islands.

The free association agreement between New Zealand and the Cook Islands allows Cook Islanders to live, work, and access healthcare as New Zealand citizens, a status that may be jeopardized if diplomatic relations decline further. Adding to tensions is a previously proposed plan for a separate Cook Islands passport, which some officials viewed as a step towards autonomy. Brown has since backed down from this proposal after facing public pressure, highlighting the fragility of the relationship.

Amidst these developments, New Zealand's foreign ministry stressed the importance of their historical ties, expressing readiness to review their aid to the Cook Islands based on the agreement details. As New Zealand navigates its role in the Pacific against the challenges posed by China, the completion of this agreement could significantly alter the balance of diplomatic relations in the region, drawing parallels to other nations’ past encounters with Beijing.

For more insights on this evolving situation, refer to the detailed coverage by Reuters.