Darshana M. Baruah
On 15 February 2025 China and Cook Islands signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in which they agreed to collaborate to research and potentially extract the latter’s seabed critical minerals. While it signals Beijing’s growing interest in the South Pacific (and Pacific Islands states’ expanding options for international partnership), the MoU is also the latest example of a broader trend: states’ growing interest in deep-sea mining and the commercial potential of the underwater domain.
Developments in deep-sea mining are important because they are likely to play a part in establishing precedents (in terms of norms and legal frameworks) for undersea commercial activities more broadly. Moreover, these developments will have military implications – especially in terms of the possible ‘dual-use’ nature of some activities related to seabed exploration. And while at present deep-sea mining is viewed primarily in terms of its potential environmental impact, states could benefit from treating it as a foreign-policy issue and recognising its significance for national security.
New partners, new opportunities
The China–Cook Islands MoU outlines the two countries’ plans to collaborate on a range of activities related to research and exploration of the latter’s seabed mineral resources, including capacity building, technology transfer and logistics. It also foresees cooperation on efforts to understand the environmental impacts of deep-sea mining on marine ecosystems.
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