The diplomatic spat began when Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown inked a comprehensive strategic partnership with China during a visit to Beijing in February 2025. In response, New Zealand froze millions of dollars in aid to the Cook Islands over the China deal episode. According to New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters, that aid would now flow again.
The Cook Islands is a self-governing country with a 60-year free association relationship to New Zealand, defended by New Zealand's military and with citizens able to live and work freely in New Zealand. These links require Cook Islands leaders to consult with Wellington on deals with other countries that might affect New Zealand. Brown defended his decision not to disclose the contents of his pact with China, saying it was unnecessary under his country's existing accords with Wellington.
According to Peters, the declaration seeks to remove previous ambiguity about the nature of the relationship between New Zealand and the Cook Islands, especially as it pertains to defense and security.