Fiji, Feb. 12 -- Australian deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has reaffirmed Australia's commitment to being the "partner of choice" for the Cook Islands and the wider Pacific, as concerns grow over the island nation's engagement with China.

At a press conference in Canberra, Marles dismissed fears over Cook Islands dealings with Beijing, insisting Australia and New Zealand remain the key allies.

"We've worked very closely with Cook Islands and New Zealand, and what we seek to demonstrate is that Australia and New Zealand are the partners of choice," Marles said. "That has to be the continued posture we maintain across the Pacific."

Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy echoed Marles' stance, deflecting co...