Ambassador Wang Xiaolong and Prime Minister Mark Brown of the Cook Islands Attend the Welcome Ceremony for Tuitui Moana Jointly Funded by the Chinese Government

On 25 August 2026, the Welcome Ceremony for Tuitui Moana took place in Avatiu port of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. Ambassador Wang Xiaolong and Prime Minister Mark Brown attended the Ceremony. The inter-island vessel Tuitui Moana and five barges were jointly funded by the Chinese Government.

Addressing the ceremony, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown said over the past years, the Cook Islands and China have built a strong and enduring diplomatic relationship founded on mutual respect, cooperation and shared development goals. He thanked China's support and said Tuitui Moana and the barges will help to strengthen connectivity across the Pa Enua and support shared development opportunity. 

Ambassador Wang Xiaolong highlighted that the comprehensive partnership between China and the Cook Islands continues to deepen with joint efforts from both sides. Wang characterized these two projects as best practices of mutual trust and win-win cooperation between the two nations. Wang hoped the vessel and the barges would bring tangible benefits to the Cook Islands people. He and Prime Minister Mark Brown jointly signed the handover certificates for the fund support of the inter-island vessel and the five barges.