Cook Islands election tests China and seabed mining

The Cook Islands started voting Thursday in a general election shaped by debate over deeper ties with China and the Pacific nation's possible deep-sea mining industry.

Prime Minister Mark Brown signed a series of agreements with Beijing in 2025 covering regional cooperation and closer economic ties. He has also led efforts to explore waters around the Cook Islands for possible deep-sea mining.

His most likely challenger, former deputy prime minister Teariki Heather, has criticised Brown's approach to China and pledged a national referendum on deep-sea mining if he wins.

Local media are predicting a close contest likely to produce some form of coalition government. The Cook Islands does not conduct regular opinion polling.

The self-governing nation of about 17,000 people has a free association relationship with New Zealand, which provides budget support and help on foreign affairs and defence.

New Zealand temporarily halted millions of dollars in aid after Brown signed agreements with China in February 2025, citing a lack of consultation. Brown said at the time: "It becomes very clear this is not about consultation. This is about control."

The Cook Islands and New Zealand have since signed a defence and security pact, but Brown's China ties remain contested.

Deep-sea mining has also divided voters. Seabed areas around the Cook Islands contain polymetallic nodules with cobalt, nickel, manganese and other metals. Some Cook Islanders see mining as a source of jobs and investment, while others fear irreversible damage to the ocean.

Early results are expected later Thursday.