Cook Islands and China reaffirm bilateral cooperation during 60th anniversary celebrations

Prime Minister the Honourable Mark Brown met yesterday, with the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to the Cook Islands, Dr Xiaolong Wang, on the margins of the country’s 60th anniversary celebrations.

During the meeting, Ambassador Wang presented a congratulatory letter from President Xi Jinping, acknowledging the significance of the occasion and reaffirming China’s commitment to its longstanding friendship with the Cook Islands.

“The Cook Islands was pleased to welcome China as part of our 60th anniversary celebrations,” said Prime Miniter Brown. “China has played a vital role in our self-governance journey over the past three decades, and we value their continued partnership and presence during this important milestone.”

Since the formal establishment of diplomatic relations in 1997, Cook Islands–China cooperation has supported a range of development initiatives including major infrastructure projects, agricultural and marine equipment, heavy machinery, and technical expertise. In recent years, collaboration has expanded through partnerships with Chinese provincial governments, Cook Islands agencies, and local community organisations.

People-to-people connections have also grown through cultural exchanges, skills training, and sectoral cooperation, reflecting a shared commitment to mutual benefit and respect.

China also provides grant funding through Technical Cooperation Agreements which are not affected by the Cook Islands Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) graduated status which has seen some traditional partners transition away from providing concessional finance to the Cook Islands. The current China Technical Assistance Agreement will deliver two electric buses and electric motorbikes to support the Cook Islands’ green transport initiatives.

The meeting with Ambassador Wang builds on recent high-level engagements between the two countries this year including a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Brown and Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Harbin as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Hon. Tingika Elikana meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Hon. Wang Yi in Xiamen ahead of the 3rd China–Pacific Islands Countries Foreign Ministers Meeting.

“As we mark 60 years of self-governance, we reaffirm our commitment to working with partners like China to advance peace, prosperity, and Pacific regional resilience,” Prime Minister Brown said.