Due to controversy sparked by the agreement reached between the Cook Islands and China at the beginning of the year, the New Zealand government suspended its aid to the Pacific island nation on Thursday.

A spokesperson for Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Peters said in a statement that New Zealand has suspended aid to the Cook Islands until the latter takes "concrete measures" to restore trust, after which aid will be resumed.

The Cook Islands is an autonomous country with a population of 17,000, maintaining a "free association" relationship with its former colonial ruler, New Zealand, which provides budgetary assistance, as well as diplomatic and defense support.

In February this year, the Cook Islands signed an agreement with China involving deep-sea mining, regional cooperation, and economic issues, which caught New Zealand off guard. The spokesperson for Peter said that the lack of consultation with New Zealand was the reason for suspending aid. The spokesperson said, "Trust and meaningful engagement are the foundation of free association."

From Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said in response to a query during the regular press conference on Thursday: "New Zealand and the Cook Islands are both important partners of China. The cooperation between China and the Cook Islands does not target any third party and should not be interfered with or constrained by any third party."

The Cook Islands have a "free association" with New Zealand. Although the Cook Islands manage their own affairs, the "Declaration of the Centenary Union" signed between New Zealand and the Cook Islands in 2001 requires both parties to consult each other on defense and security issues.

According to data from the government of the Cook Islands, New Zealand provided $116 million (194 million New Zealand dollars) in aid over the past three years. New Zealand has suspended the $11 million development aid planned for payment in the next fiscal year. The spokesperson for Peters said, "New Zealand will not consider providing significant new funds before the government of the Cook Islands takes concrete measures to repair relations and restore trust."

Peters told reporters on Thursday that the timing of suspending funding is unrelated to Prime Minister Lacson's visit to China. Peters said that concerns were discussed during meetings with China's foreign minister earlier this year. Prime Minister Lacson echoed this statement when interviewed in Shanghai on Thursday.

Lacson frankly stated, "We are dissatisfied and unhappy about the non-disclosure and non-transparency of the Cook Islands government regarding international agreements." This New Zealand prime minister will meet with Chinese leaders in Beijing on Friday. Lacson repeatedly downplayed China's role in the dispute, stating that it is entirely the responsibility of the Cook Islands government.

Lacson emphasized, "Our concerns are actually related to the Cook Islands. This is a matter between the Cook Islands and New Zealand." He said that therefore, China was not informed of this decision beforehand. When asked if he expected this issue to be raised during the meeting, Lacson said that the themes of the conversation were never pre-announced.

Lacson pointed out that the issue of the Cook Islands was mentioned during the bilateral talks between Peter and China's foreign minister earlier this year. Lacson said that officials from New Zealand are working with officials from the Cook Islands to take "mitigation measures and risk management" for any concerning areas. The New Zealand prime minister said, "We hope to receive assurances that these practical risks will be properly managed in our defense, security, and international borders, given the integration of our systems."

Lacson also emphasized that the object of contention is not the Cook Islanders who hold New Zealand citizenship, and said, "We are very, very proud of the Cook Islands and what they have contributed to New Zealand, and our concerns are not directed at them." It was reported that Peter informed the government of the Cook Islands of the decision to suspend funding in early June. However, this decision only became public on Thursday following media reports in the Cook Islands.

When asked why his government did not announce the decision proactively, Lacson only replied, "Dialogue is ongoing." Lacson said that the message conveyed to China is very consistent: "We hope that any major power, any country outside the Pacific family, can truly respect the central position of the Pacific Islands Forum."

Source: rfi

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