Ministry of Foreign Affairs: The relationship between China and the Cook Islands is not aimed at third parties and should not be subject to interference or restrictions by third parties.

[Global Times - Global Network Report by Reporter Suo Yanqi] According to Reuters, New Zealand and the Cook Islands signed a new defense and security agreement on Thursday (April 2), aimed at rebooting relations between the two countries. Previously, relations between New Zealand and the Cook Islands had been tense for several months due to an agreement signed between the Cook Islands and China.

Regarding the above news, at a routine press conference of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 2, spokesperson Mao Ning responded to a foreign journalist’s question about “What is China’s comment on this” by saying that the Cook Islands are an important cooperative partner of China in the South Pacific region. Since establishing diplomatic relations, the two countries have always respected each other, treated each other as equals, and developed together. We are willing to deepen practical cooperation with the Cook Islands and continuously improve the well-being of the peoples of both countries.

Mao Ning stated that the relationship between China and the Cook Islands is not targeted at third parties and should not be interfered with or restricted by third parties. The development of relations between countries and Pacific island nations should be based on genuine respect for the independence and sovereignty of island nations, adhering to development priorities and maintaining openness and inclusiveness.