Hundreds of Cook Islanders have taken to the streets to petition the government to maintain close ties with New Zealand, as their government finally released a new pact with China.
A comprehensive strategic partnership was agreed between the Pacific minnows and the global heavyweight last week during a state visit by Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown.
However, it was not released until Tuesday, angering long-term partner New Zealand, which offers Cook Islanders both defence support and citizenship, but expects consultation in return.
The New Zealand government did not receive a copy of the agreement before it was uploaded to the Cook Islands foreign affairs website.
The pact details enhanced co-operation between China and the Cook Islands on trade, investment and tourism, plans to open up the Chinese market to Cook Islands seafood exporters, all within a five year action plan to 2030
China also offers further assistance on infrastructure in the Polynesian nation, after contributing to building the national courthouse, police headquarters and national stadium.
The document also features sections committing to co-operation on climate change, maritime matters and disaster management.
Mr Brown also revealed China had given a one-off donation of $4 million.
Just as Mr Brown promised a fortnight ago, when TVNZ first revealed the agreement, there is no section covering enhanced security co-operation, which would have concerned Australia and New Zealand.
A spokesman for the New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters noted public statements suggesting further deals were done on Mr Brown's visit to China, which should also be made public.
"We look forward to the release of all those agreements without delay, so that the Cook Islands people and New Zealand can get clarity on the substance and scope of the intended co-operation between China and the Cooks," he said.
"Consultation and transparency must lie at the heart of the New Zealand-Cook Islands relationship."
Several hundred Cook Islanders made their feelings plain on Tuesday by marching against Mr Brown's conduct.
Prior to the China pact, Mr Brown also floated the idea that Cook Islands would start producing their own passports as a possible precursor to full independence.
That proposal was at the forefront of the protest, with many carrying signs reading "Stay Connected with New Zealand" or depicting giant Kiwi passports, showing the value they place on New Zealand citizenship rights.
Cook Islands opposition leader Tina Browne said Mr Brown needed to rule out ditching the Kiwi association.
"We have no problem with our government going and seeking assistance (with China)," she told Radio NZ.
"We do have a problem when it is risking our sovereignty, risking our relationship with New Zealand."
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon said on Monday, prior to the release of the pact, he was confident the long-running friendship between nations would overcome this difficult chapter.
"We value the Cook Islands people. We have a great affinity with them ... we'll work our way through the differences," he said.
The rally outside Cook Islands parliament was also attended by NZ Maori Party co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.
Ms Ngarewa-Packer told Radio NZ she was in the Cook Islands on a personal visit but joined in owing to her concerns over Mr Brown's transparency failings and his pursuit of seabed mining, which she opposes on environmental grounds.
The pact details enhanced co-operation between China and the Cook Islands including trade, investment and tourism, including opening up the Chinese market to Cook Islands seafood, all within a five-year action plan to 2030.
