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.

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 seeks to enhance political trust and cooperation with the Cook Islands, as discussed by Premier Li Qiang and Prime Minister Mark Brown. The discussions focus on marine infrastructure, cultural exchanges,

(250214) -- HARBIN, Feb. 14, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Prime Minister of the Cook Islands Mark Brown in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 14, 2025. Brown is here for the closing ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)

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 prime minister says he is aware of the strong interest in the outcomes of his visit to China.

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.

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,