New Zealand signs defence pact with Cook Islands after quarrel over China deal

Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, which has signed a defence and security agreement with New Zealand after ‘serious disagreements’ between the two countries since late 2024. Photograph: Carly Earl/The Guardian

New Zealand and the Cook Islands have signed a defence and security declaration, ending a year-long diplomatic row that erupted after the Cook Islands struck strategic agreements with China.

The Cook Islands was a dependent New Zealand colony from 1901-65 but has since operated as a self-governing nation in “free association” with New Zealand. Its roughly 17,000 citizens hold New Zealand citizenship. There are obligations between the two nations to regularly consult on matters of defence and security.