The embassy said it has noted reports that the US and New Zealand plan to build
a deep-water port on a former military base in the Cook Islands and that the
partners say the project is intended to support development of the Cook Islands,
particularly its northern islands. China reiterated its long-standing position
that its practical cooperation with Pacific island states — including on
infrastructure, poverty reduction and climate adaptation — aims to help those
states address real challenges and achieve sustainable development, not to
engage in geopolitical competition. It said international cooperation should not
be directed at third parties and should help maintain regional peace and
stability, and urged parties to work with Pacific island states on the basis of
mutual respect, openness and inclusivity to support their development goals.
