Concerns mounted for “national security” Cook Islands, against the background of China’s influence

Of Talaia MikaCook Islands News

Concerns about China’s increasing influence in Pacific, including in the Cook islands following recent agreements between the two countries, have caused opposition calls for greater transparency and insurance regarding national security.

Opposition leader Tina Browne’s concerns follow WARNING WORKS FROM THE NEWSELY INFORMATION FROM THE about China’s increasing influence in the Pacific.

Conformable ReutersAndrew Hampton, the general manager of the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (SIS), in a speech at the International Business Institute in New Zealand in Wellington, China said to mix economic and security cooperation could lead to foreign interference and spy threats.

Hampton has revealed that he visited the Cook islands to share classified information on foreign interference and espionage risks with Prime Minister Mark Brown before signing agreements.

He said that SIS will now intensify its monitoring of the Beijing Cook island relationship.

“With the Cook islands it develops deeper relationships with other parts, this will require even stronger concentration from my agency on national security risks,” Hampton said.

The Chinese Embassy in New Zealand rejected Hampton’s statements, calling “totally devoid of foundation, the whole manufacture and refers to the spread of false information,” according to Reuters. He also said that the relevant agreements with the Pacific nations, including the Cook Islands, were made public and there was no “secret agenda” in his relationships.

However, the leader of the opposition of Cook islands, Browne, said that the comments of the general director of the Security Intelligence Service on the risk of foreign interference and espionage “should not be taken easily”.

“Mr. Andrew Hampton’s statement is careful,” Browne said. “As we recognize the sovereign right of Cook islands to get involved in economic partnerships, it is as imperative that our national security and regional integrity are not compromised.”

Browne added that the opposition supports development partnerships, they must be guided by “transparency, robust control and balanced diplomacy.”

Cook Islands News contacted Prime Minister Mark Brown and his spokesman a week ago and followed last week for a comment on Hampton’s statements.

“The prime minister will not provide comments on these questions (until he returns),” the spokesman said a week ago.

Prime Minister Albert Nicholas, who was the interim prime minister, was also contacted for comments a week ago. PM Brown returned to the country.

Browne, the leader of the Democratic Party, criticized the government that he did not offer a “clear public insurance or strategy” in response to Hampton’s warning.

“People in Cook Islands are worth knowing how their interests are protected against the background of changing geopolitical dynamics,” she said.

Browne has asked the government to be more open about its approach to geopolitical challenges and to ensure that national security agencies are prepared.

“The opposition will continue to monitor this closely and will keep the government to take into account the protection of both our sovereignty and regional position,” she said.

Visit of Cook islands in China last month where Prime Minister Brown’s team signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement And other agreements, tightened relationships with New Zealand, who expressed concern for lack of consultation and transparency.

These agreements are the first time that the Cook islands have concluded a major agreement with a country outside its traditional partners, the former colonial leader New Zealand, with whom he shares a special constitutional relationship and Australia. The agreement focuses on economic, infrastructure and maritime cooperation and the development of bottom minerals, among other fields. Does not include security or defense.

In his speech, Hampton mentioned that Pacific nations focus on economic growth and combating transnational crime have created opportunities for China to create strategic partnerships in the region.

He added that Beijing aims to create competing regional architectures and to expand its influence among the Pacific island countries.

“The People’s Republic of China remains a complex information in New Zealand,” Hampton said. “We think it is important to make sure that our Pacific partners are aware and risks.”

Hampton has also reiterated the commitment of New Zealand against the Sharing Intelligence Five Eyes, which includes the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia – despite previous concerns about the Trump administration towards Russia.

He said that the Alliance remained “the most long -term partnership and impact of information in our history” in New Zealand.

“The sharing of five Intelligence IniSights has undoubtedly improved the safety and security of New Zealand.”

Additional reports from Reuters.

-This article was published for the first time by News of Cook Islands.