Cook Islands PM decries New Zealand's ‘patronising' aid pause
Cook Islands PM Mark Brown defended his nation's ties with China, saying they did not 'compromise' its independence. PHOTO: AFP
WELLINGTON - Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown on June 20 condemned 'patronising' neighbour New Zealand, which halted aid to the Pacific island nation after it signed a slew of deals with China.
Major partner New Zealand has halted millions of dollars in aid to Cook Islands, citing a 'lack of consultation' over agreements struck with China in February.
Self-governing Cook Islands has a 'free association' pact with New Zealand, its former colonial ruler which provides budgetary assistance as well as help on foreign affairs and defence.
'The relationship between the Cook Islands and New Zealand is defined by partnership, not paternalism,' Mr Brown said in a speech to Parliament.
'Decisions to unilaterally pause core sector support reflect a patronising approach inconsistent with modern partnership.'
Mr Brown defended his nation's ties with China, saying they did not 'compromise' its independence, adding that no military or defence arrangements had been made.
'No debt commitments, no erosion of our national sovereignty,' he told Parliament.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited Beijing on June 20, where he was welcomed by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
'There are no historical grievances or fundamental conflicts of interest between China and New Zealand,' Mr Xi told Mr Luxon, according to Chinese state news agency Xinhua.
The readout did not directly mention Beijing's relationship with the Cook Islands or Wellington's spat with its former colony.
Mr Luxon meanwhile reaffirmed in a statement New Zealand's interest in the 'peace, security and prosperity of the Pacific'.
'Repair and restore trust'
The Cook Islands caught New Zealand off guard when it signed a string of agreements with China covering deep-sea mining, regional cooperation and economic issues.
A New Zealand government spokesperson said aid had been paused because of a 'lack of consultation' surrounding the agreements.
New Zealand provided US$116 million (S$149.09 million) to Cook Islands over the past three years, according to government figures.
It was due to make an US$11 million development payment in the coming months and would not consider resuming funding until the Cook Islands government took steps to 'repair the relationship and restore trust', the spokesperson added.
China and the Cook Islands have both pushed back, with Beijing's foreign ministry saying on June 19 that the deals 'should not be interfered with'.
Mr Brown added that the nation had been 'open and transparent'.
China has looked to boost diplomatic, economic and security ties with Pacific Island nations in recent years, sowing unease among traditional regional powers the United States, Australia and New Zealand. AFP
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