China and the Cook Islands signed an action plan last week for a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, China's Foreign Ministry said on Monday, giving further details about a deal expected to raise concerns in New Zealand.

China is willing to deepen mutual political trust with the Cook Islands, China's Premier Li Qiang said during a meeting with Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, China's national television broadcaster reported on Friday.

The Cook Islands said Saturday it has struck a five-year agreement with China to cooperate in exploring and researching the Pacific nation's seabed mineral riches.

The prime minister of the Cook Islands could be facing a no-confidence vote this week. It's part of the continuing political fallout from a recent agreement the government reached with China. HPRʻs Derrick Malama has more in the Pacific News Minute.

Prime Minister Mark Brown struck a strategic partnership with China this month, irking Cook Islands’ opposition and New Zealand.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has called for a reset in government-to-government relations with the Cook Islands after its Pacific neighbor signed agreements with China without consultation.

Prime Minister Mark Brown says "in due course, we may be informed more about these naval exercises that these countries conduct in international waters off each other's coasts".

The Cook Islands’ strategic location halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii made it a crucial logistics base during World War II. American forces established airstrips on Penrhyn and Aitutaki, with 850 Marines stationed in the latter.

New Zealands Foreign Minister Winston Peters has expressed concerns over Chinas recent live-fire drills in the Tasman Sea, criticizing the lack of prior notice given to New Zealand. Speaking in Beijing after meetings