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.

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 signs strategic partnership with China, raising concerns in New Zealand over growing Chinese presence in the Pacific.

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.

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,