New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden said Monday that differences between New Zealand and China are becoming increasingly difficult to reconcile as Beijing’s role in the world continues to grow and change, Reuters reported.
Speaking at the China Business Summit in Auckland, Arden said China and New Zealand “don’t agree, can’t agree and won’t agree” on certain issues, but added that those differences need not define the relationship.
Arden said, “As China’s role in the world continues to grow and change, the differences between our systems and the interests and values that have shaped them are becoming increasingly difficult to reconcile, and that will not escape the attention of anyone here.” She added: “It’s a challenge that we and many other countries in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as in Europe and elsewhere, are grappling with.”
The comments come as New Zealand is facing pressure from some of its Western allies for not wanting to use the Five Eyes Intelligence and Security Alliance, which includes Australia, Britain, Canada and the United States, as well as New Zealand, to criticize Beijing. New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Mahuta said last month that she was uncomfortable with expanding the role of the Five Eyes Alliance.
China is New Zealand’s largest trading partner. China has accused the Five Eyes Alliance of joining forces to make statements against China over Uighur Muslims in Hong Kong and Xinjiang.
Arden said New Zealand will continue to talk about these issues individually and through its partners. Managing relations with China is not always easy, and “there can be no guarantees.
China has had a diplomatic row with Australia and imposed trade restrictions after Canberra lobbied for an international investigation into the source of the new coronavirus. Beijing denies the restrictions are retaliation, saying the reduction in imports of Australian products is the result of buyers’ own decisions.
Arden said it is important how China treats its partners.
She added, “We hope that China will also act in its own core interests and take actions in the world that are consistent with its responsibilities as a growing power, including as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.”
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