China and the Cook Islands on Friday signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, but the lack of transparency around the details has alarmed New Zealand, the South Pacific state’s closest democratic ally.

The Cook Islands said on Saturday that it signed a comprehensive strategic partnership deal with China, a move expected to raise concerns in New Zealand with which it has constitutional ties. Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown and Chinese Premier Li Qiang signed the deal in Harbin,

No details have been released, but analysts and environmentalists fear it will pave the way for closer security ties and the start of deep-sea mining.

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.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says the deal with China "complements, not replaces" the relationship with New Zealand after signing it on Friday.

Prime Minister Mark Brown of the Cook Islands visited China to discuss marine science, climate resilience, and economic cooperation. The trip, which raises security concerns in New Zealand, includes plans to sign a strategic partnership.

China stood ready for "in-depth" talks with the Cook Islands, Beijing said on Thursday, a day before a meeting between Premier Li Qiang and visiting Prime Minister Mark Brown. According to the Chinese foreign ministry,

The Cook Islands needs trade and investment. Its economy depends on tourism, and, having graduated to “high-income” status in 2020, it is no longer eligible for aid. As Mr Brown sees it, China is part of the solution.