New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says they will have to assess the proposed agreement between the Cook Islands and China before determining their next course of action.

At a post-Cabinet press conference on Sunday (Cook Islands time), Luxon was pressed by NZ media about the diplomatic tension between the Cook Islands and New Zealand over the comprehensive strategic partnership the Cook Islands will be signing with China this week in Beijing.

Luxon admitted there was a “dispute” and “points of difference” between the two countries regarding the now-abandoned Cook Islands passport issue and international agreements.

Cook Islands operates in free association with New Zealand. The country governs its own affairs but New Zealand provides assistance with foreign affairs (upon request), disaster relief and defence.

Luxon told NZ media: “You know under those constitutional agreements it’s important that there’s total transparency and in this case, we don’t feel that’s happen and that’s why we have talked about that publicly and the Foreign Minister has done so.”

“Given we haven’t seen this purported agreement, we need to wait and actually see it and we’ll make our judgments after that.”

China defends deal

China says its agreement with the Cook Islands does not target a third party, according to its Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun.

During his regular press conference on Sunday, the Associated Press asked him about New Zealand’s concerns regarding the Cook Islands’ lack of consultation prior to signing a comprehensive strategic partnership with China.

“The relationship between China and the Cook Islands does not target any third party, and should not be disrupted or restrained by any third party,” Guo said.

The spokesperson emphasised that China believes both New Zealand and the Cook Islands are important cooperation partners.

He said China stands ready to grow ties and carry out cooperation with Pacific Island countries, including the Cook Islands.

“The Cook Islands is an important partner of China in the South Pacific. Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1997, our two countries have respected each other, treated each other as equals, and sought common development, achieving fruitful outcomes in exchanges and cooperation in various areas,” Guo said.

“China stands ready to work with the Cook Islands for new progress in bilateral relations. As for the visit you mentioned, we will release information in due course.”