In 2010, the friendly relations and cooperation between the People's Republic of China and Cook Islands continued to develop steadily.

In August, President Hu Jintao sent a message to Queen's Representative Frederick Goodwin, extending congratulations on the Constitution Day of Cook Islands. In December, Premier Wen Jiabao and Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi sent messages of congratulation to Henry Puna, Prime Minister, and Tom Marsters, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, on taking office in the new government. In August, Vice Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai met with Prime Minister Jim Marurai on the sidelines of the Pacific Islands Forum Post Forum Dialogue held in Vanuatu. In December, the new Chinese ambassador to Cook Islands Xu Jianguo presented his letter of credence to Queen's Representative Frederick Goodwin.

In April, Prime Minister Marurai sent a letter of condolences to President Hu Jintao over the earthquake in Yushu, Qinghai. In August, Deputy Prime Minister Robert Wigmore came to China for the National Pavilion Day of Cook Islands at the Shanghai World Expo. He attended the event with the Chinese Representative Vice Agriculture Minister Niu Dun and met with Vice Mayor of Shanghai Tang Dengjie.