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 parliament voted 13-to-9 against the motion of no-confidence in Prime Minister Mark Brown's government,

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.

New Zealand is facing its own ‘Solomon Islands moment’ over a shock deal between China and the Cook Islands that clears the way for Beijing to build critical infrastructure and a persistent presence in the tiny pacific nation,

The remote and resource-rich Cook Islands has antagonised old allies over a deal with China 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.

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.