The Cook Islands government seeks increased international recognition, with Prime Minister Brown securing US recognition of their sovereign independence in 2023, bypassing New Zealand’s Realm status. Despite New Zealand’s lack of involvement, the Cook Islands also signed secretive agreements with China, moving away from New Zealand and towards a stronger relationship with China. This shift in alliances may lead to the Cook Islands becoming a strategic resource for global powers like the US, similar to how Micronesian states have a compact of free association with the US for defense rights and access to resources.
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Clean sweep for Aust | Otago Daily Times Online News
Australia completed a clean sweep of the series with a 3-0 win over the Ice Blacks in the third test in Auckland, scoring twice in the first period and adding another goal in the third while registering 48 shots on goal compared to the Ice Blacks' 16. New Zealand's top players will regroup in Dunedin for the division 2, group B world championships at the end of the month. Full Article
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