Funding to Cook Islands on pause after partnership agreement

Nearly 20 million dollars in development assistance to the Cook Islands is on pause as New Zealand reacts to its Pacific neighbour's ever-closer ties with China. Wellington claims it was not consulted before the Cook Islands signed a partnership agreement with China in February, an alleged breach of the Cooks' committments to this country. The funding freeze was revealed in a front page splash in the Cook Island News, awkward timing for New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon as he prepares to meet with China's President Xi Jinping. Caleb Fotheringham has more.