Cook Islands PM defends signing of wide-ranging deal with China

Cook Islands PM Mark Brown said relations with New Zealand would not be affected by the new accord with China. Photograph: Melanie Cooper/The Guardian

The Cook Islands says it has signed a deal to expand relations with China, stressing that the accord does not impinge on ties with former colonial power New Zealand.

Prime minister Mark Brown said he signed an “action plan for the comprehensive strategic partnership” with Chinese premier Li Qiang in the northern city of Harbin during a five-day state visit to China last week.