A landmark marine research collaboration between China and the Cook Islands has concluded successfully this month, marking a significant step in strengthening their 'blue partnership' focused on sustainable ocean development. The joint expedition, organized by China's Ministry of Natural Resources and the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority, conducted comprehensive studies of marine ecosystems and mineral resources in the South Pacific.
The initiative aligns with China's broader efforts to expand scientific cooperation with Pacific Island nations while promoting environmentally responsible resource management. Researchers collected valuable data on deep-sea biodiversity and underwater geological formations, findings expected to inform regional conservation strategies and responsible seabed exploration frameworks.
This collaboration comes as Asia-Pacific nations increasingly prioritize ocean-based economies, with the Cook Islands' exclusive economic zone covering nearly 2 million square kilometers of mineral-rich waters. The voyage's success underscores growing technical cooperation between China and Pacific Island countries in marine science and climate resilience initiatives.
