Associated Press: New Zealand and the Cook Islands signed a new defense and security agreement today that effectively sidelines previous deals signed between the Cook Islands and China. If you can tell us what’s China’s comment on that? 

Mao Ning: The Cook Islands is China’s important cooperation partner in the South Pacific. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have always respected each other, treated each other as equals and pursued shared development. China will continue to deepen pragmatic cooperation with the Cook Islands and deliver more benefits to the two peoples.

The China-Cook Islands relationship doesn’t target any third party, nor should it be disrupted or constrained by any third party. In developing the relations with the Pacific Island countries, all parties should respect the independence of island countries, put development first, and uphold openness and inclusiveness.

(Origin: Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning’s Regular Press Conference on April 2, 2026)