nder the Radar is a weekly special series bringing you compelling, under–the–radar stories from around the world, one region at a time. This week in SE Asia and Oceania, New Zealand suspends funding to the Cook Islands after its agreement with China. Other noteworthy under–the–radar stories from the region include concerning arsenic levels in Southeast Asia’s largest river, a growing sex scandal among Thailand’s monks, and New Caledonia’s formal recognition as a state by France.
In June 2025, New Zealand suspended $11 million in funding to the Cook Islands in retaliation for agreements the Cook Islands had made with China, without consulting New Zealand. Although the New Zealand government informed the Cook Islands government of the decision to pause funding, the public was only made aware of the significant funding disruption through a mention of a $6 million decrease in a government budget document. New Zealand’s government spokesperson said that they will not consider new funding until trust between the two nations is restored. On 10 July 2025, officials from the Cook Islands met with their counterparts from New Zealand, confirming their desire to rebuild the relationship between the two countries.
In the past three years, New Zealand has spent over $179 million in funding for the Cook Islands, as part of the countries’ free association. The Cook Islands were first included as part of New Zealand’s territory in 1901, until they gained independence in 1965. Today, Cook Islanders are still New Zealand citizens, and the countries share the same head of state. The ongoing relationship between the two countries means that New Zealand is responsible for assisting the Cook Islands with international affairs, defense, and natural disasters. Thus, New Zealand’s government believes its goals should align with the Cook Islands’ goals.
Although China is one of New Zealand’s most prominent trade partners, New Zealand’s foreign minister is concerned with the possibility of the Pacific becoming a militarized zone. This concern is spurred by China’s recent activities in the Pacific, which include live firing drills conducted by Chinese warships in international waters near New Zealand. New Zealand also cut funding to Kiribati after the country canceled a meeting with New Zealand’s prime minister while also developing closer ties with China.
The Cook Islands' new partnership with China, formed without consulting New Zealand, has further fueled concerns about China’s motivations in the Pacific. Although some analysts warn that New Zealand’s pause on funding could create a possibility for China to step in and fill the gap.
This is also not the first time in recent months that the relationship between New Zealand and the Cook Islands has been strained. In February, the Cook Islands' prime minister dropped a plan to create Cook Islands passports after tense discussions with New Zealand.
Here are some other under–the–radar stories from across SE Asia and Oceania:
- Southeast Asia’s longest river, the Mekong, was tested and found to have levels of arsenic almost four times the WHO’s limit, likely due to Myanmar’s unregulated gold and rare earth metal mining.
- A respected monk’s disappearance led to a Thai woman exposing an unexpected, widespread sex scandal that has the National Office of Buddhism and Thai police investigating all monks in the country.
- After decades of fighting for independence, France is recognizing New Caledonia as a state, although the territory has only been granted more autonomy, not independence.
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New Zealand’s concerns about China’s Pacific motivations grow
Image via Pixabay.
July 25, 2025
Diplomatic Courier’s Stephanie Gull brings you weekly under–the–radar stories from around the world. This week in SE Asia and Oceania: New Zealand and Cook Islands take first steps to fixing their relationship after a China–Cook Islands deal caused consternation.
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nder the Radar is a weekly special series bringing you compelling, under–the–radar stories from around the world, one region at a time. This week in SE Asia and Oceania, New Zealand suspends funding to the Cook Islands after its agreement with China. Other noteworthy under–the–radar stories from the region include concerning arsenic levels in Southeast Asia’s largest river, a growing sex scandal among Thailand’s monks, and New Caledonia’s formal recognition as a state by France.
In June 2025, New Zealand suspended $11 million in funding to the Cook Islands in retaliation for agreements the Cook Islands had made with China, without consulting New Zealand. Although the New Zealand government informed the Cook Islands government of the decision to pause funding, the public was only made aware of the significant funding disruption through a mention of a $6 million decrease in a government budget document. New Zealand’s government spokesperson said that they will not consider new funding until trust between the two nations is restored. On 10 July 2025, officials from the Cook Islands met with their counterparts from New Zealand, confirming their desire to rebuild the relationship between the two countries.
In the past three years, New Zealand has spent over $179 million in funding for the Cook Islands, as part of the countries’ free association. The Cook Islands were first included as part of New Zealand’s territory in 1901, until they gained independence in 1965. Today, Cook Islanders are still New Zealand citizens, and the countries share the same head of state. The ongoing relationship between the two countries means that New Zealand is responsible for assisting the Cook Islands with international affairs, defense, and natural disasters. Thus, New Zealand’s government believes its goals should align with the Cook Islands’ goals.
Although China is one of New Zealand’s most prominent trade partners, New Zealand’s foreign minister is concerned with the possibility of the Pacific becoming a militarized zone. This concern is spurred by China’s recent activities in the Pacific, which include live firing drills conducted by Chinese warships in international waters near New Zealand. New Zealand also cut funding to Kiribati after the country canceled a meeting with New Zealand’s prime minister while also developing closer ties with China.
The Cook Islands' new partnership with China, formed without consulting New Zealand, has further fueled concerns about China’s motivations in the Pacific. Although some analysts warn that New Zealand’s pause on funding could create a possibility for China to step in and fill the gap.
This is also not the first time in recent months that the relationship between New Zealand and the Cook Islands has been strained. In February, the Cook Islands' prime minister dropped a plan to create Cook Islands passports after tense discussions with New Zealand.
Here are some other under–the–radar stories from across SE Asia and Oceania:
- Southeast Asia’s longest river, the Mekong, was tested and found to have levels of arsenic almost four times the WHO’s limit, likely due to Myanmar’s unregulated gold and rare earth metal mining.
- A respected monk’s disappearance led to a Thai woman exposing an unexpected, widespread sex scandal that has the National Office of Buddhism and Thai police investigating all monks in the country.
- After decades of fighting for independence, France is recognizing New Caledonia as a state, although the territory has only been granted more autonomy, not independence.
