New Zealand and the Cook Islands signed a defense and security pact to clarify their relationship and ease tensions stemming from the Cook Islands’ growing ties with China.

New Zealand halted millions in aid to the Cook Islands in mid-2025 in response to the China deal, a move criticized by Cook Islands prime minister Mark Brown as patronising and inconsistent with a modern partnership.

As part of reaffirming the partnership, New Zealand will resume roughly NZ$29.8 million (about US$17.1 million) in annual funding to the Cook Islands.

Officials described the pact as a path forward to repair relations and move ahead together.

The two leaders framed the breakthrough as restoring certainty and moving forward, noting occasional disagreements within their long-standing relationship.

The declaration requires both countries to act in good faith and to hold regular consultations on defense and security, signaling a renewed, clearer framework.

China asserted that its relationship with the Cook Islands is sovereign and not directed at third parties, underscoring mutual development and cooperation during discussions about the pact.

The development highlights broader Pacific regional sensitivities around China’s influence and the strategic balance with traditional partners like New Zealand and Australia.

Prime Minister Brown noted that the Cook Islands’ prior deals with China remain intact and did not include security elements, while New Zealand would be the first security interlocutor for issues affecting both parties.

Leaders avoided detailing how the pact would affect the Cook Islands’ agreement with China, stressing coordination on defense and security going forward.

Brown emphasized the declaration focuses on regional security and defence moving forward and does not alter the Cook Islands’ China deal, which Peters suggested is no longer a concern.

The signing took place in Rarotonga, with New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown participating.