Asia & Pacific

‘We Are a Christian Nation’: Hundreds Protest Cook Islands-China Agreement, Fearing Loss of NZ Ties

The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership signed between the two countries includes an initial $4 million payment for ‘projects’ involving the Pacific nation.
‘We Are a Christian Nation’: Hundreds Protest Cook Islands-China Agreement, Fearing Loss of NZ Ties
Hundreds of Cook Islanders participated in the peaceful protest march spearheaded by Leader of the Cook Islands United Party (CIUP) Teariki Heather. Courtesy of Melina Etches/Cook Islands News
Rex Widerstrom
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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.

Rex Widerstrom
Rex Widerstrom
Author
Rex Widerstrom is a New Zealand-based reporter with over 40 years of experience in media, including radio and print. He is currently a presenter for Hutt Radio.