Cook Islands, China Sign Five-Year Agreement to Explore Seabed Mineral Riches
Background and Agreement
The Cook Islands, a self-governing country of 17,000 people, has struck a five-year agreement with China to cooperate in exploring and researching the Pacific nation’s seabed mineral riches. The deal, signed on February 14, covers working together in the "exploration and research of seabed mineral resources" and includes seabed minerals-related training and technology transfer, logistics support, and deep-sea ecosystems research.
Joint Committee and Oversight
A joint committee will oversee the partnership, which does not involve any agreement to give an exploration or mining licence. The Cook Islands government emphasized that the memorandum of understanding does not grant China any exclusive rights to explore or mine the seabed.
Relationship with New Zealand
The Cook Islands has a "free association" relationship with New Zealand, which provides budgetary assistance as well as helping on foreign affairs and defence. Cook Islanders hold New Zealand citizenship. However, the agreement with China may irk New Zealand, which has accused the Cook Islands government of a lack of consultation and transparency over the wider partnership agreement with China.
New Zealand’s Concerns
New Zealand has demanded to see all the agreements signed during Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown’s state visit to China this month. New Zealand and its allies, including Australia and the United States, have expressed concern over China’s growing influence in the Pacific.
Cook Islands’ Stance
Brown has insisted that the country’s relations with New Zealand and other partners are not affected by the partnership accord with China. The Cook Islands has licensed three companies to explore the seabed for nodules rich in metals such as nickel and cobalt, which are used in electric car batteries.
Environmental Considerations
The Cook Islands government has emphasized that it will not decide whether to harvest the potato-sized nodules until it has assessed environmental and other impacts. The Pacific country’s prime minister has touted the benefits of the potentially multi-billion-dollar industry, saying that the Cook Islands needs to protect itself against climate change "through whatever revenues that we can get."
Conclusion
The agreement between the Cook Islands and China marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to explore and develop its seabed mineral resources. While New Zealand and other partners have expressed concerns over the partnership, the Cook Islands government remains committed to transparently managing its resources and ensuring that all decisions are made in the best interest of the country and its people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the agreement between the Cook Islands and China?
A: The agreement aims to cooperate in exploring and researching the Pacific nation’s seabed mineral resources.
Q: What does the agreement cover?
A: The agreement covers working together in the "exploration and research of seabed mineral resources" and includes seabed minerals-related training and technology transfer, logistics support, and deep-sea ecosystems research.
Q: Is the agreement exclusive to China?
A: No, the agreement does not grant China any exclusive rights to explore or mine the seabed.
Q: What is the Cook Islands’ relationship with New Zealand?
A: The Cook Islands has a "free association" relationship with New Zealand, which provides budgetary assistance as well as helping on foreign affairs and defence.