Ardern hopes trip can reset China relations

NEW ZEALAND’S prime minister Jacinda Ardern is planning a trip to China to “seize new opportunities”, despite differences over human rights and Beijing’s “more assertive” attitude in the Indo-pacific region.

Ms Ardern told a business summit in Auckland yesterday that she hopes to return to China to “renew and refresh in-person connections” and “seize new opportunities for dialogue”.

She insisted, however, that her country will continue to “speak out” on issues such as human rights abuses and Beijing’s crackdown in Hong Kong.

“Even as China becomes more assertive in the pursuit of its interests, there are still shared interests on which we can and should co-operate,” Ms Ardern told an audience that included the Chinese ambassador to Wellington, Wang Xiaolong.

Ms Ardern added that she would continue to support the trade relationship between the two countries and further co-operation on climate change.

The prime minister’s speech comes at a time of growing tension in the Indopacific, with the United States and China vying for influence in the region.

Western allies have become increasingly concerned about Beijing’s push for influence, particularly regarding a security pact signed between China and the Solomon Islands in April. The deal prompted concerns that it could lead to a Chinese military base on the islands, a suggestion dismissed by the Solomons’ prime minister Manasseh Sogavare.

Describing New Zealand’s relationship with Beijing as “one of our most important”, Ms Ardern said both countries had been “major beneficiaries of relative peace, stability and prosperity”, but she also admitted that the rules that underpin those things are also “under threat”.

Questioned about Taiwan and tensions in the Pacific region, the prime minister insisted “dialogue and diplomacy remain key” and said New Zealand’s approach had been “consistent”.