Concerns rise over China's influence in Cook Islands

Concerns are increasing in the Cook Islands about China's growing influence in the Pacific region. This follows recent agreements between the Cook Islands and China that have raised national security worries. Opposition leader Tina Browne is calling for more transparency from the government regarding these issues. New Zealand's intelligence chief, Andrew Hampton, has warned that China's approach in the Pacific could pose risks of foreign interference and espionage. Before the recent agreements were signed, he visited the Cook Islands to share his concerns with Prime Minister Mark Brown. Hampton noted that his agency will increase monitoring of the relationship between the Cook Islands and China. China's embassy in New Zealand has rejected these claims, calling them false and baseless. They stated that all agreements with Pacific nations, including the Cook Islands, are public and do not involve any hidden motives. However, Browne insists that the risks mentioned by Hampton should not be ignored. She emphasizes the need to protect national security while engaging in economic partnerships. The Cook Islands recently signed a strategic partnership deal with China, marking a shift in their international relationships. This has caused tension with New Zealand, which has traditionally been a close partner. The deal focuses on economic and infrastructure cooperation but does not include defense matters. Hampton stressed that economic growth and the fight against transnational crime have given China an opportunity to strengthen its role in the Pacific. He warned that it is important for Pacific nations to be aware of potential risks. Despite changing political landscapes, Browne says the opposition will keep a close watch on government actions regarding national security and sovereignty.