The Cook Islands lie halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii and are made up of 15 islands and atolls spread over 700 square miles (1.9 million square kilometres)

The Cook Islands was within the New Zealand borders from 1901. In 1965, it became self governing but in free association with New Zealand. It is a realm country of New Zealand, along with Niue and Tokelau. It has its own government and King Charles III is head of state.

However, New Zealand says it was not properly consulted over the plans, leading to what Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has described as a "dispute". The Cook Islands is hugely reliant on New Zealand under a longstanding "free association" agreement that provides it with defence and financial support.

The Cook Islands will this week sign a strategic agreement with China, in a move that has rattled the south Pacific country’s traditional partner New Zealand and deepened concerns about Beijing’s influence in the region.

By signing a deal with Beijing, the Cook Islands is asserting its independence – in a stark challenge to New Zealand’s Pacific strategy.

Why a deal with China has strained New Zealand’s ties with the Cook Islands - Beijing’s growing influence in the South Pacific has hit the close relationship between Wellington and the Cook Islands

New Zealand has expressed concerns over the Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Browns visit to China to sign agreements without prior consultation, despite their constitutional ties. The move has heightened fears