The Cook Islands may be small but the ambitions of its leader are mighty and his signing of a range of deals with China without consulting the public or New Zealand – an ally to which it is closely tied – has caused increasing irritation and concern.

New Zealand is calling for “consultation and transparency” as a deal struck between the Cook Islands and China is released as tensions over the agreement persist. The “Action Plan 2025-2030″ for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Cook Islands and the People’s Republic of China was published this afternoon following weeks of speculation and a visit to China by Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown last week.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown survived on Wednesday a vote of no confidence in parliament brought by the opposition over deals he struck with China that strained relations with New Zealand.

The Cook Islands' prime minister survived a no-confidence vote on Wednesday, blaming "misinformation" from former colonial ruler New Zealand for destabilising his Pacific country.

The prime minister of the Cook Islands could be facing a no-confidence vote this week. It's part of the continuing political fallout from a recent agreement the government reached with China. HPRʻs Derrick Malama has more in the Pacific News Minute.

Prime Minister Mark Brown struck a strategic partnership with China this month, irking Cook Islands’ opposition and New Zealand.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown will retain his role after fighting off a no-confidence bid from the opposition.