The comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between China and the Cook Islands established a roadmap for bilateral cooperation across various sectors, encompassing areas of mutual concern and shared development priorities, said Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Mark Brown.
He made the statement in an interview with China Central Television (CCTV) on February 15 in Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang Province in northeastern China.
"Well, I would be the fourth prime minister that has visited China since our nearly 30 years of formal diplomatic relations. This engagement here is a significant milestone in the relationship that the Cook Islands now has with the People's Republic of China. The comprehensive strategic partnership that we signed up provides a framework for formal engagement between our two countries across various sectors, in areas of common interest and common development priorities," he said.
Brown also expressed optimism about strengthening cooperation with China in areas such as scientific research, innovation, and technology.
He noted that as a global leader in multiple fields, China can provide substantial support to the Cook Islands in advancing its scientific and technological development.
"It's in the spirit of cooperation and collaboration across a number of sectors. Firstly, in the area of scientific research, innovation, technology; China has proven to be a world leader today in many areas of scientific research and technology. We looked through that partnership and collaboration to assist our own country in lifting our scientific capabilities through partnerships, through collaborations, with like-minded institutes and research organizations here in the People's Republic of China. So that's very important for us as we move to a new and emerging sector in our country, in our economy, which is, of course, our seabed. So we're very excited about [it]," Brown emphasized.
China-Cook Islands comprehensive strategic partnership sets framework for bilateral cooperation: PM
The statement of U.S. President Donald Trump highlighted the urgency for reforming global governance, according to a poll from China Global Television Network (CGTN) on Friday.
"I don't need international law," said Trump during an with The New York Times this week, days after the U.S. attack on Venezuela and the forcible seizure of President Nicolas Maduro. This statement perfectly captures Washington's unilateral and hegemonic trajectory. The New York Times observed that Trump's assessment of his own freedom to use any instrument of military, economic or political power to cement American supremacy was the most blunt acknowledgment yet of his world-view.
In a global public opinion poll conducted by CGTN, 93.5 percent of respondents expressed belief that the U.S., by pursuing unilateralism, has placed itself in opposition to the international community. Also, 91.7 percent think that reforming the global governance system is an urgent priority.
On Wednesday the U.S. announced its withdrawal from 66 international organizations, setting a new record for its retreat from multilateral commitments. These organizations span climate, energy, and global governance, among other fields. Trump argues that their operations run counter to U.S. national interests, sovereignty, and economic prosperity.
In response, 84.1 percent of respondents were not surprised by the U.S. move. Meanwhile, 88.9 percent viewed it as another radical step under the "America First" doctrine. In addition, 93 percent believed the U.S. approach of using international systems when beneficial and abandoning them when not severely undermines the existing international order and global fairness and justice. Also, 88.3 percent noted that the U.S. withdrawals once again expose it as an irresponsible major power, dealing a significant blow to its international reputation. Furthermore, 88.5 percent believe the U.S. withdrawals reflect its negative attitude toward global governance.
The recent episode of unilateral and bullying actions by the U.S. government has sparked widespread alarm and discontent within the international community. Washington's adherence to the law of the jungle where "might is right" is severely undermining the global governance system. In the poll, 89.9 percent of respondents agreed that multilateralism, based on coordination and cooperation, remains key to addressing current global governance challenges. Meanwhile, 94.4 percent believe it is crucial to advance the reform of the global governance system, uphold international rule of law, and enhance the effectiveness of multilateral mechanisms. Moreover, 90 percent think major powers should shoulder greater responsibility and play a more constructive role in promoting global governance reform.
The poll was conducted across CGTN platforms in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Russian languages, attracting 24,000 responses within 24 hours.
Trump says 'I don't need international law,' highlighting urgency for reforming global governance: CGTN poll
