<h1>China Assures Cook Islands' Visit Not Meant to Stir South Pacific Tensions Amid New Zealand Concerns</h1> China clarified that the visit by the Cook Islands' prime minister to Beijing is not intended to provoke tensions in the South Pacific, despite diplomatic concerns from New Zealand. The visit is part of China's strategy to engage with small island nations in the region, potentially diminishing the influence of the US and its allies. New Zealand expressed concerns over the lack of consultation regarding agreements the Cook Islands plans to sign with China. The Cook Islands, self-governing and closely tied to New Zealand, emphasized that the agreements focus on renewable energy and agriculture, not security. The situation echoes broader regional apprehensions about China's growing influence.