Beijing has suggested some Australian and US media outlets were 'parroting Western politicians' by 'hyping a yet-to-be finalised' multilateral security pact between China and Pacific Island nations.
Ms Ardern reiterated her worries of a military base being built in the region which would"fundamentally alter the strategic balance of the region" as she turned her focus to strengthening the security and defence relationship with Washington.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern meeting with US President Joe Biden where they discussed a number of issues, including China's influence in the Pacific region. Picture: Doug Mills-Pool/Getty Images Beijing's media mouthpiece, The Global Times, hit back suggesting the two nations were"distorting China's role in the region" and the"changing rhetoric reflect both its own neocolonial mindset and growing pressure it cannot withstand."
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi is currently touring seven countries - following the signing of the Solomon Islands and Beijing pact - to propose a deal on policing, security, cyber security, support on climate change and a new free-trade agreement. "China has no interest of competing with someone or interest of taking part in geopolitical competition, and it has never established a so-called sphere of influence," he said after meeting with his Tongan counterpart on Tuesday.
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