Q: Recently, the Director-General of NZSIS stated at an event that China links economic and security cooperation in the Pacific, creating competing regional architectures. He also expressed concerns about potential national security risks in the China-Cook Islands relationship. What is the Chinese Embassy's response to these claims?

A:  As the saying goes, "To a man with a hammer, everything looks like a nail." These allegations are baseless and nothing more than a fabrication designed to spread disinformation. We urge relevant personnel not to view China through the lens of Cold War mentality or a zero-sum mindset. It is important not to abuse the concept of security or politicize unrelated issues.

China is committed to a policy of "four full respects" in developing its relations with Pacific Island countries, including the Cook Islands. Specifically, we fully respect their sovereignty and independence, their will, their national and cultural traditions, as well as their aspirations for strength through unity. In providing assistance, China never attaches political strings, never imposes rules on others, and never play lip services.

The relationship between China and the Cook Islands is based on mutual benefit and win-win, transparency, openness, and inclusiveness. There is no "secret agenda" – all relevant cooperation documents are made public and focus solely on economic cooperation and improving livelihoods of the Cooks, with the goal of supporting sustainable development in the Cook Islands.

The exchanges and cooperation between China and the Cook Islands are not intended to target or exclude any third party. Nor should they be disrupted or restricted by any third party. China is open to exploring possibilities for trilateral or multilateral cooperation in the region with New Zealand, among others, based on mutual respect, equality, and the wishes of Pacific Island countries, with a view to forging synergy to benefit the region and its people.