country in the South Pacific Ocean in free association with New Zealand
Cook Islands prime minister wants to rework ties to NZ to be more independent: The Pacific nation's prime minister wants to reassess longstanding agreements with ...
abc.net.au/news/2025-04-03/china-cook-islands-deal-new-zealand-mark-brown-winston-peters/105128644
Panama's comptroller office to sue over renewal of CK Hutchison contract: Panama's Comptroller General office will file a lawsuit against the officials who ...
reuters.com/world/americas/panamas-comptroller-office-sue-over-renewal-ck-hutchison-contract-2025-04-07/
Could Panama throw a new wrench into BlackRock's ports deal?: BlackRock could hit another roadblock in its attempt to secure control of two flagship ports near ...
reuters.com/business/could-panama-throw-new-wrench-into-blackrocks-ports-deal-2025-04-03/
Key Facts: Criticism Mounts Against CK Hutchison Port Deal
Mar 31 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
- A pro-Beijing Hong Kong newspaper intensified criticism of CK Hutchison's planned sale of its Panama ports to a BlackRock-led group, leading to a drop in shares.
- The transaction, expected to be signed by April 2, is now considered controversial amid escalating political tensions between China and the U.S.
- CK Hutchison's shares have fallen 12.9% since March 13, as Chinese authorities announced an antitrust review of the deal to safeguard national security.
- Analysts anticipate negotiations will last until July 27, with the possibility of further extensions not ruled out.
Key Facts: Criticism Mounts Against CK Hutchison Port Deal
Mar 31 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
- A pro-Beijing Hong Kong newspaper intensified criticism of CK Hutchison's planned sale of its Panama ports to a BlackRock-led group, leading to a drop in shares.
- The transaction, expected to be signed by April 2, is now considered controversial amid escalating political tensions between China and the U.S.
- CK Hutchison's shares have fallen 12.9% since March 13, as Chinese authorities announced an antitrust review of the deal to safeguard national security.
- Analysts anticipate negotiations will last until July 27, with the possibility of further extensions not ruled out.
CK Hutchison will not sign deal to sell strategic Panama ports next week, sources say
reuters.com/business/ck-hutchison-not-sell-strategic-ports-panama-canal-next-week-scmp-reports-2025-03-28/
Exclusive: CK Hutchison mulls global telecom assets spin-off, eyes London listing, sources say
reuters.com/business/ck-hutchison-mulls-spin-off-global-telecom-assets-eyeing-london-listing-sources-2025-03-28/
Chain of underwater active volcanic hotspot discovered hiding near the Cook Islands
wionews.com/science-tech/chain-of-underwater-active-volcanic-hotspot-discovered-hiding-near-the-cook-islands-8895121
China state media blasts CK Hutchison's Panama port deal in soon-deleted post: Chinese state media attacked Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison's plan to sell ...
reuters.com/markets/deals/chinese-state-media-likens-ck-hutchison-panama-port-deal-handing-knife-opponent-2025-03-29/
China to probe BlackRock deal to buy Panama Canal ports from Hong Kong-based firm
firstpost.com/world/china-to-probe-blackrock-deal-to-buy-panama-canal-ports-from-hong-kong-based-firm-13875570.html
US says it is 'not surprised' that China would be upset at Panama ports deal: The U.S. State Department said on Friday it was "not surprised" that China would be ...
reuters.com/world/us-says-it-is-not-surprised-that-china-would-be-upset-panama-ports-deal-2025-03-28/
China Cosco may be shipping war's first casualty: The world's largest shipping group is sailing into a perfect storm. Chinese state-owned Cosco Shipping doubled ...
reuters.com/breakingviews/china-cosco-may-be-shipping-wars-first-casualty-2025-03-24/
Li Ka-shing: Hong Kong's richest man in hot water over Panama Canal deal: Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing’s business empire is in the crosshairs after CK Hutchison ...
apnews.com/article/hong-panama-ports-hutchison-china-shing-9edc99b46ee671d76d360d3b9bd506da
'Bullying' claims and China scrutiny ramp up pressure on CK Hutchison: Hong Kong is opposed to "bullying tactics" by foreign governments, the city's leader said ...
reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/hong-kong-leader-opposes-coercion-bullying-by-foreign-governments-2025-03-18/
Explainer: What levers do China and Hong Kong have over CK Hutchison's port deal?
reuters.com/markets/deals/what-levers-do-china-hong-kong-have-over-ck-hutchisons-port-deal-2025-03-19/
China accuses New Zealand’s top spy of spreading ‘false information’: China’s embassy in New Zealand on Thursday accused Wellington’s top spy of lying after the ...
english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2025/03/13/china-accuses-new-zealand-s-top-spy-of-spreading-false-information-
Ukraine backs 30-day ceasefire as US ends aid freeze: Ukraine endorsed an American proposal for a 30-day ceasefire and agreed to immediate negotiations with ...
reuters.com/markets/us/blackrock-ceo-fink-says-nationalistic-policies-will-stoke-inflation-2025-03-10/
Churches push for Cook Islands to be declared a Christian nation after mosque discovery
rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/543895/churches-push-for-cook-islands-to-be-declared-a-christian-nation-after-mosque-discovery
China Condemns CK Hutchison-BlackRock Panama Canal Deal: The Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison’s planned sale of ports in Panama to a group led by BlackRock ...
nytimes.com/2025/03/14/business/panama-canal-ck-hutchison-blackrock.html
Law Society warns Cook Islands' religious rules 'against human rights': This comes as churches on the island are pushing for a constitutional amendment to ...
rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/544829/law-society-warns-cook-islands-religious-rules-against-human-rights
Hong Kong's CK Hutchison under fire after China criticism of ports sale to US: China's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO) reposted a commentary ...
reuters.com/business/ck-hutchisons-shares-drop-after-china-posts-critical-commentary-port-sale-us-2025-03-14/
New Zealand’s top spy warns on China’s influence in the Pacific, backs Five Eyes: New Zealand’s top spy has warned of the security risks posed by China’s growing ...
reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/new-zealands-top-spy-warns-chinas-influence-pacific-backs-five-eyes-2025-03-07/
Panama to request legal, financial documents on CK Hutchison-BlackRock port deal: The Panama Maritime Authority, which oversees shipping and port infrastructure ...
reuters.com/world/americas/panama-request-legal-financial-documents-ck-hutchison-blackrock-port-deal-2025-03-07/
Hawaii is celebrating the canoe that helped fuel Hawaiian renaissance and influenced "Moana'
apnews.com/article/hawaii-polynesian-canoe-hokulea-50th-anniversary-5bd2ce68d790c81a3af43a42bffcc980
Marshall Islands signs treaty banning nuclear weapons in the South Pacific: The Marshall Islands has become the 14th Pacific Islands Forum member state to join ...
rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/543836/marshall-islands-signs-treaty-banning-nuclear-weapons-in-the-south-pacific
Key Facts: New Zealand criticizes China's military drills sharply
Feb 27 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: theguardian.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: theguardian.com
- New Zealand's foreign minister raised concerns about China's recent military exercises in the Tasman Sea during a meeting in Beijing.
- Winston Peters described the lack of notice regarding the drills as a 'failure' in the bilateral relationship, calling for future corrections.
- China is considering providing earlier notifications for naval drills after New Zealand and Australia complained about insufficient warning.
- The discussions also covered trade and economic cooperation, with China suggesting collaboration in emerging sectors like artificial intelligence and the green economy.
Solomon Islands considers launching ship registry amid suspicion of Russian shadow fleet
rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/543649/solomon-islands-considers-launching-ship-registry-amid-suspicion-of-russian-shadow-fleet
Cook Islands China deal riles allies as West’s grip loosens : The recent spree of deals between the two is upsetting traditional allies wary of Beijing.
bbc.com/news/articles/cvg559y0803o
China-Cook Islands deal raises security concerns for NZ: By Lauren Crimp of RNZ China will be able to establish a “significant strategic presence” in the Pacific ...
nzherald.co.nz/nz/china-cook-islands-deal-raises-security-concerns-for-nz/FGQVJHREQNGFVP4YQCAHWB7AIM/
New Zealand must ‘reset’ Cook Islands ties after China pact, foreign minister says New Zealand must ‘reset’ Cook Islands ties after China pact, foreign minister says | Reuters
Cook Islands PM survives no-confidence vote over China pact: Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown survived on Wednesday a vote of no confidence in parliament ...
reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/cook-islands-pm-survives-no-confidence-vote-over-china-pact-2025-02-26/
Cook Islands says comprehensive strategic partnership deal signed with China Cook Islands says comprehensive strategic partnership deal signed with China | Reuters
👀 More than meets the eye
Hundreds of Cook Islanders staged protests in the capital Avarua and opposition leaders have filed a no confidence vote against ... Show more
China sees 'in-depth' Cook Islands talks, partnership deal expected China sees 'in-depth' Cook Islands talks, partnership deal expected | Reuters
Key Facts: Tensions Rise Between Cook Islands and New Zealand Over China Deal
Feb 10 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: aljazeera.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: aljazeera.com
- Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown's visit to Beijing to sign a strategic partnership agreement with China strains long-standing ties with New Zealand.
- The deal focuses on trade, tourism, and infrastructure but not security, raising concerns among New Zealand and its allies.
- New Zealand expressed worries about the lack of transparency regarding the agreement, viewing it as a breach of diplomatic arrangements.
- The strategic significance of the Cook Islands is increasing as China expands its influence in the region, leading to a power struggle between China and Western allies.
No-confidence vote against Cook Islands PM fails: Prime Minister Mark Brown has survived a motion in parliament aimed at ousting his government.
rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/543071/no-confidence-vote-against-cook-islands-pm-fails
The Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Mark Brown, has written to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon as the crisis in the region deepens. #HeraldPremium
Cook Islands PM pledges to release details of China deal: Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown said he would release soon the full details of a comprehensive ...
reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/cook-islands-pm-pledges-release-details-china-deal-2025-02-17/
Key Facts: Cook Islands and China: Controversial Agreement Unveiled
Feb 18 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
- The Cook Islands announced a strategic partnership with China covering deep-sea mining, disaster relief, and cultural ties.
- The agreement faces criticism for a lack of consultation with New Zealand, leading to protests and an impending no-confidence vote.
- Prime Minister Mark Brown emphasized that the deal complements existing relationships with New Zealand while enhancing economic diplomacy.
- New Zealand expressed concerns and is awaiting the release of all agreements to assess their implications for both the Cook Islands and New Zealand citizens.
Cook Islands PM pledges to release details of China deal: Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown said he would release soon the full details of a comprehensive ...
reut.rs/4ilr1K3
Cook Islands and New Zealand fall out over China deal: Wellington says it was not properly consulted over the agreement, which is due to be signed this week.
bbc.com/news/articles/c4g3vew1ejgo
1News Feb 22
China secures maritime presence in Cook Islands: The Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries was signed in Harbin, northern China on February 14.
1news.co.nz/2025/02/22/china-secures-maritime-presence-in-cook-islands/
Cook Islands: China expands influence in the South Pacific: The People's Republic has entered into a strategic partnership with the Cook Islands ...
zeit.de/politik/ausland/2025-02/china-weitet-einfluss-im-suedpazifik-cookinseln-aus
Te Pāti Māori co-leader joins protest against 'aggressive' Cook Islands PM: Debbie Ngarewa-Packer joined more than 400 people in Rarotonga on Tuesday morning to ...
rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/542230/te-pati-maori-co-leader-joins-protest-against-aggressive-cook-islands-pm
Watch: Cook Islanders march in Avarua against Mark Brown government: More than 400 people took to the streets a day after the prime minister returned from China ...
rnz.co.nz/news/pacific/542209/watch-cook-islanders-march-in-avarua-against-mark-brown-government
Cook Islands signs China deal at centre of diplomatic row with New Zealand: Official ratification of a "comprehensive strategic partnership" agreement is likely ...
rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/541952/cook-islands-signs-china-deal-at-centre-of-diplomatic-row-with-new-zealand
Smaller countries learn to hedge their bets in the age of Trump: This is a world in which no one can ‘price’ peace any more
ft.com/content/2d30ba8e-40e9-4387-864f-a81f77386a2d
Officials say three companies have been licensed to explore the seabed for minerals.
🔗 ebx.sh/7gTLcv
COSMO.PH Feb 11
You still have a few days to ask!
Link to the full story in the comments section.
READ MORE: Why You Need To Ask Your Partner To Be Your Valentine
A rare diplomatic spat exposes growing pressures in the Pacific as US, China vie for influence
cnn.com/2025/02/09/asia/new-zealand-kiribati-us-china-pacific-intl-hnk/
How passports and a deal with China have put New Zealand at odds with its former colony Cook Islands
abc.net.au/news/2025-02-08/cook-islands-new-zealand-relations-china-passports/104909718
#LATEST | Major development in the Cook Islands' plan to sign a major partnership with China without full consultation.
CNA Feb 04
Panama lawsuit requests axing Hong Kong firm's canal concession: PANAMA CITY: Two Panamanian lawyers filed a complaint on Monday (Feb 3) to cancel the concession ...
channelnewsasia.com/world/panama-canal-ck-hutchinson-holdings-us-trump-port-operating-concession-lawsuit-hong-kong-4915466
A short(ish) flight away, this place is like stepping into a postcard: There’s plenty to do when visiting the Cook Islands, or you can choose to do nothing at ...
smh.com.au/traveller/inspiration/a-short-flight-away-this-place-is-like-stepping-into-a-postcard-20250124-p5l70o.html
Tropical Cyclone Pita downgraded to a tropical low: The Cook Islands Meteorological Service says Tropical Cyclone Pita has been downgraded to a tropical low
rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/538733/tropical-cyclone-pita-downgraded-to-a-tropical-low
Cook Islands wants its own passport. New Zealand says no: Cook Islanders are citizens of New Zealand, which oversees the island's foreign affairs and defence.
bbc.com/news/articles/c623ng6wnweo
Power cable fault: NATO increases military presence in the Baltic Sea: The Finnish authorities suspect sabotage and have seized the oil tanker "Eagle S" ...
diepresse.com/19208813/stoerung-an-stromkabel-nato-verstaerkt-militaerpraesenz-in-der-ostsee
Seizure of Cook Islands-registered ship over alleged sabotage 'creates a bad look' for NZ - expert
rnz.co.nz/news/political/537768/seizure-of-cook-islands-registered-ship-over-alleged-sabotage-creates-a-bad-look-for-nz-expert
Alumni group slams USP's failure to release Council meeting outcomes: The USP alumni statement released on Thursday included a "summary of major decisions" ...
rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/535865/alumni-group-slams-usp-s-failure-to-release-council-meeting-outcomes
“The dogs had ripped their throats out and their ears off" 👇
Cook Islands PM 'not surprised' at Treaty Principles Bill opposition: The Cook Islands prime minister Mark Brown is not surprised at the swell of opposition ...
rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/534221/cook-islands-pm-not-surprised-at-treaty-principles-bill-opposition
Tuskegee University closes campus to outsiders, fires security director following deadly mass shooting
abcnews.go.com/US/tuskegee-university-closes-campus-outsiders-fires-security-director/story
Australian-backed Pacific police force an option to quell 'tension' in New Caledonia, Pacific leaders say
rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/532574/australian-backed-pacific-police-force-an-option-to-quell-tension-in-new-caledonia-pacific-leaders-say
If resorts aren’t your vibe, these beachfront villas are a private paradise.
🔗 Sea Change Villas, Rarotonga: Luxe on the lagoon at this Cook Islands hideaway - NZ Herald