Cook Islands votes in election shaped by China, deep-sea mining

The Cook Islands commenced voting on Thursday in a crucial general election, poised to assess the nation's willingness to embrace deep-sea mining and deepen its ties with China. Incumbent Prime Minister Mark Brown, in 2025, courted controversy by inked a series of high-stakes deals with Beijing, marking a significant shift in the Cook Islands' foreign policy.

These agreements encompassed regional cooperation and strengthened economic bonds with China, prompting New Zealand to express exasperation over perceived lack of consultation, subsequently suspending millions of dollars in aid. Despite a subsequent reconciliation and the signing of a defense and security pact, Brown's engagements with China remain a contentious point.

Additionally, under Brown's leadership, the Cook Islands emerged as a global frontrunner in the exploration of deep-sea mining potential, given the vast seabed rich in polymetallic nodules containing valuable metals like cobalt, nickel, and manganese. The issue of deep-sea mining has polarized the nation, with fervent advocates lauding it as a vital source of jobs and investment, while vocal opponents voice apprehension over its potential to inflict irreversible damage on the ocean.

Brown's primary challenger, former Deputy Prime Minister Teariki Heather, has vehemently criticized Brown's approach to China and vowed to hold a national referendum on deep-sea mining if elected. Early results from the election, which is expected to be fiercely fought and may culminate in a coalition government, are anticipated later on Thursday (Wednesday local time).