The public quarrel between New Zealand and the Cook Islands — which share a passport, a military and constitutional ties — is a victory for Beijing.

China and the Cook Islands signed an action plan last week for a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, China's Foreign Ministry said on Monday, giving further details about a deal expected to raise concerns in New Zealand.

The decision drew from New Zealand, which is increasingly cautious about China's growing presence in the Pacific region.

The Cook Islands said on Saturday that it signed a comprehensive strategic partnership deal with China - a move expected to raise concerns in New Zealand with which it has constitutional ties. The deal was signed by Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown during a visit to Beijing.

China is willing to deepen mutual political trust with the Cook Islands, China's Premier Li Qiang said during a meeting with Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, China's national television broadcaster reported on Friday.

No details have been released, but analysts and environmentalists fear it will pave the way for closer security ties and the start of deep-sea mining.

China acknowledged a visit by the Cook Islands leader for the first time on Thursday, amid exasperation in New Zealand that it was not consulted about expected agreements involving the South Pacific nation,

Cook Islands' Prime Minister Mark Brown said on Thursday he had held discussions with institutions on marine science, climate resilience and economic cooperation so far during a trip to China that has raised national security concerns in New Zealand.

Cook Islands deal has implications for Pacific security, but particularly for New Zealand, the United States, and Australia.