The Cook Islands prime minister, Henry Puna, says his government wants an airlink through Nadi to encourage tourism from China.
He's had recent discussions with the Chinese ambassador Xu Jinguo over the lack of progress since China gave the Cooks preferred destination status about two years ago.
Mr Puna says the limiting factor is the lack of air services that suit travellers from China.
He says there are insurmountable difficulties for Chinese citizens if they want to visit the Cooks via New Zealand.
Mr Puna says travelling via Fiji is a real option to consider and could be the best way to attract Chinese visitors to the country.