Cook Islands' Prime Minister Mark Brown said on Thursday he had held discussions with institutions on marine science, climate resilience and economic cooperation so far during a trip to China that has raised national security concerns in New Zealand.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown is visiting China, marking the first such visit in a decade. The trip, focused on strategic partnerships across various sectors, has drawn criticism from New Zealand due to the lack of consultation despite their constitutional ties with the island nation.

Prime Minister Mark Brown's visit to China has ignited debate about influence in the Pacific and New Zealand's role

China acknowledged a visit by the Cook Islands leader for the first time on Thursday, amid exasperation in New Zealand that it was not consulted about expected agreements involving the South Pacific nation,

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown is set to attend the Asian Winter Games closing ceremony in Harbin, China. During his visit, he will meet with China's Premier Li Qiang to discuss bilateral relations,

China says a visit this week by the Cook Islands' prime minister to Beijing was not meant to conspire against anyone in the South Pacific, despite the trip stirring up a diplomatic spat between the tiny nation and its chief benefactor,

The Cook Islands is set to strike a comprehensive strategic partnership with China, triggering a hysterical response from New Zealand’s government and media, which brands the deal as a major diplomatic victory for Beijing.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown will visit China next week, the first visit by a leader of the small South Pacific state in a decade, to help improve ties ranging from trade, climate and investment to tourism and infrastructure.