AVARUA: Hundreds of Cook Islanders gathered outside the parliament in Avarua to protest the government’s new strategic partnership with China and plans for a Cook Islands passport.

Hundreds march to Cook Islands’ parliament to oppose deal with China - Protests erupt over Cook Islands’ new strategic partnership with China, raising concerns about ties with New Zealand

Growing ties between Cook Islands and China, including a new comprehensive partnership agreement action plan detailed this week, have raised concerns in New Zealand, which has a close constitutional relationship with its tiny Pacific neighbour.