The Chinese Embassy in Wellington issued a statement criticizing New Zealand for its policy:
As for the differences between the two sides, China still wants to properly address them with the New Zealand side through constructive dialogue rather than “megaphone diplomacy.”
The text says. They also added that there are no historical grievances or conflicts of interest between the two countries, so it is in the interest of both parties to reach a consensus. The message published by the eastern superpower came in response to a statement by New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters on Friday. The minister said at the time that he was concerned about the Chinese presence in the Pacific. In his speech, Peters also mentioned human rights, the conflict in the South China Sea, and ongoing pirate attacks.
We do not want to see developments that lead to the destabilization of institutions and agreements that have long strengthened the security of our region
– Tell.
New Zealand traditionally maintains close ties with Western countries led by the United States, and is also part of the intelligence community known as the Five Eyes. Recently, the island nation has been tying its policy closer to its allies than before, as they view China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region with concern.
Wellington is investigating whether the country could join the AUKUS agreement in the future, which was created openly to limit the global ambitions of the eastern superpower.
In his speech, Peters was referring to Beijing signing a security agreement with the Solomon Islands in 2022, thus gaining significant influence next to New Zealand. China rejects these accusations, saying that it has no hidden intentions in the region, so there is no need to fear them, and they consider the other criticisms mentioned to be their own internal matter.
Cover image credit: Phil Walter/Getty Images
