New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has expressed grave concern over China’s growing ambitions in the Pacific region, fearing that this could undermine mechanisms supporting regional security.
In a speech at a meeting on Friday, Peters stated, “China’s presence in the Pacific region is longstanding, but we are increasingly concerned about China’s (the CCP’s) growing involvement in the security sector in the Pacific region.”
“We do not want to see institutions and agreements that have long supported regional security being undermined,” Peters said.
The center-right government of New Zealand, which came to power last year, is seeking to deepen relations with like-minded countries such as Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom to counter China’s expanding ambitions in the Pacific region.
In early 2022, when the Solomon Islands announced signing a security agreement with Beijing, it came as a shock to New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. This prompted New Zealand to strengthen its ties with Western countries. Currently, New Zealand is in discussions to consider joining the second pillar of the Australia-UK-US Security Pact (AUKUS) and has stated that it is also working towards establishing a new partnership with NATO.
Peters acknowledged that China is an important economic partner for New Zealand but also highlighted that New Zealand’s relationship with China is “complex,” with several areas of disagreement.
“Human rights is one of them. We expect China (the CCP) to abide by the principles and commitments of the international human rights framework,” he said.
Furthermore, he pointed out New Zealand’s concerns in various areas, including China’s actions in the Taiwan Strait, the treatment of Muslim minorities in Xinjiang, human rights violations in Hong Kong, and network attacks aimed at influencing, disrupting, or subverting New Zealand’s national interests.
“These issues are deeply concerning and entirely unacceptable. We remain vigilant against all such threats,” Peters said.
He stated that New Zealand will continue to express its concerns to Beijing.
“Sometimes we do this privately, but at other times we also communicate our concerns openly to the public and the international community,” Peters said. “We are committed to discussing diplomatic issues and challenges that affect the people of New Zealand openly and transparently, which is an important part of that commitment.”
Peters emphasized that New Zealand will continue to ally with cooperative partners and work with them when it serves mutual interests, while steadfastly and independently assessing the country’s national interests.