Cook Islands is “always free to choose” to be independent of New Zealand, Foreign Minister Winston Peters said Wednesday. The statement from Peters came amid tensions between Wellington and the self-governing South Pacific island nation that signed a pact with China last week.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said on Wednesday his country must “reset” its relationship with the Cook Islands government after its Pacific neighbour signed agreements with China without consultation.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has called for a reset in government-to-government relations with the Cook Islands after its Pacific neighbor signed agreements with China without consultation.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has used a policy address to remind the Cook Islands of their responsibilities under a longstanding pact with New Zealand.