New Zealand has signed a defense and security declaration with the Cook Islands, repairing a relationship that was strained when the tiny South Pacific nation entered a strategic agreement with China. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/04/07/asia-pacific/politics/new-zealand-cook-islands-deal-china/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #asiapacific #politics #newzealand #cookislands #china
New Zealand signs Cook Islands pact to counter China deal

While the Cook Islands is a self-governing state, it is part of the Realm of New Zealand and has a special constitutional relationship with Wellington.

The Japan Times