Ardern takes tough stance over China

NEW ZEALAND prime minister Jacinda Ardern, above, has taken a tougher stance on China’s human rights record by saying it was getting harder to reconcile differences as China’s role in the world grows.

While Ms Ardern’s language remained moderate when compared with that of many other leaders, it still marked a significant shift for a country which relies on China as its largest trading partner. In past speeches Ms Ardern has often avoided direct criticism of China.

New Zealand has been trying to strike the right tone on China in recent weeks after finding itself on the defensive with its Five Eyes security allies by resisting speaking out in unison with them against China on certain human rights issues.