The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership signed between the two countries includes an initial $4 million payment for ‘projects’ involving the Pacific nation.
Hundreds of Cook Islanders have marched to their Parliament in protest against an impending “comprehensive” deal with the Chinese Communist Party that could sideline its long-standing relations with New Zealand.
Prime Minister Mark Brown returned from Beijing this week, having been granted an audience with CCP Premier Li Qiang, which he described as the “pinnacle” of his state visit.
The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership signed between the two countries includes an initial $4 million payment for “projects” involving the tiny Pacific nation, but also marks the beginning of potential deep sea critical mining activity.
Leader of the Cook Islands United Party (CIUP) Teariki Heather, who led the march on Parliament, said the protesters were “here today to stand firm,” according to the Cook Islands News.
The MP also spoke of a failed Cook Islands passport proposal that would have seen citizens lose their New Zealand citizenship, a country it has “free association” status with. The passport idea was part of an initiative to mark 60 years of self-governance.
The move would have also impacted the nearly 100,000 Cook Islanders living in New Zealand, as well as the 15,000 still living at home.
Heather has filed a no-confidence motion against the entire Cabinet, tabled at Parliament’s first sitting on Feb. 17.
Heather has also demanded Brown apologise to the government of New Zealand and take the idea of a separate passport “off the table permanently” or resign.
Opposition Also Calls for End to Passport Concept
Leader of the Opposition Tina Pupuke-Browne and members of her party also joined the protest and confirmed they, too, want the passport proposal permanently withdrawn.
Pupuke-Browne said she had no issue with the government “going out and seeking assistance.”
“We do, however, have a problem when doing such a thing is going to risk us losing our sovereignty, losing our relationship with New Zealand. It is the way you approached the agreement with China.”
Brown gave very little notice of his visit and refused to discuss details of the agreement with New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters before leaving for Beijing.
“We want our relationship with New Zealand to be returned,” Pupuke-Browne said. “We want you to wind it back, erase, and fast forward.”
Concerns About Losing Ties to New Zealand for China
The Cook Islands News reported the comments of several protesters.
“We stand and raise our voices to say let us partner with countries that have the same Christian values, for we are a Christian nation, and with countries that have the same democratic principles,” said local businesswoman Jackie Tuara.
“We do not want our lands and oceans sold to the highest bidder; those resources are for our children for their future. I don’t want to see our nation prostituted for our resources,” said Tuara, responding to reports that Beijing was seeking to control vast mineral rights within the Cook Islands Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Fourteen-year-old Teraipoia Rose Heather said she was there because “I thought that maybe if they’re not listening to our older people, maybe they’ll listen to someone still in school and hear the voice of my generation. I was hoping to get my message across because I’d like to continue my education in New Zealand.
“Let us not take this relationship for granted. New Zealand has committed to our people in providing training and education. Will these same opportunities be given to us by China?”
Another local businesswoman, Tere Carr, was even blunter. Brown, she said, has led the people “on a merry dance with him making deals with China, putting our passport and relationship with New Zealand at risk.”