Cook Islands releases terms of deal with China amid protests about lack of transparency

Hundreds of Cook Islanders took to the streets on the island of Rarotonga to protest against the partnership the government signed with China without consulting New Zealand, and a recent failed passport scheme. Photograph: TALAIA MIKA

A strategic partnership deal between China and the Cook Islands spans areas from deep-sea mining to education scholarships but excludes security ties, a document released by the Pacific island nation’s government showed.

Western nations that traditionally held sway in the region have become increasingly concerned about China’s push for influence in the Pacific, after Beijing signed defence, trade and financial deals with countries in the region over the past three years.