Avarua: Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has survived a no-confidence vote in parliament following criticism of his government’s growing ties with China, which have sparked tension with New Zealand.
The no-confidence motion, brought forward by the opposition Cook Islands United Party, was defeated by a vote of 13-9, with two lawmakers abstaining. The government holds a slim majority with 14 seats in the 24-member parliament, while the opposition controls 10.
Opposition MP Teariki Heather, who led the push to oust Brown’s administration, expressed concern over the nation’s foreign policy direction. "We want to stand independently and make our own decisions, but we must remember who has supported us in the past," he said.
The controversy follows Brown’s recent visit to Beijing, where he signed a strategic partnership agreement with China. The deal covers various sectors, including education, infrastructure, fisheries, disaster management, the economy, and seabed mining.
This move has raised concerns in New Zealand, with which the Cook Islands shares close constitutional ties. New Zealand remains wary of China’s expanding influence in the Pacific region and the potential security implications it brings.
In his defense, Brown insisted that his government was acting in the best interest of the Cook Islands. "Just as New Zealand, Australia, and other nations seek economic partnerships that serve their national interests, we must also pursue opportunities that benefit our people," he told parliament.
Despite being a self-governing nation, the Cook Islands maintains a free association with New Zealand. They share King Charles as their head of state and offer shared citizenship rights. However, both nations are expected to consult each other on matters of security, defense, and foreign policy.
