New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says China is an important partner, but he will disagree with Beijing at times.
| New Zealand’s new prime minister, Chris Hipkins, has indicated no watering down of his country’s anti-nuclear stance just weeks out from Australia unveiling its AUKUS submarine plan and says China remains an “incredibly important partner” following talks with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Despite the declaration of closeness, Mr Hipkins maintained Australia’s plan to acquire nuclear-powered submarines with American and British help would not change New Zealand’s nuclear-free status.“Our foreign policy position hasn’t changed just because there’s a change of prime minister, the government’s foreign policy is the same as it was under prime minister Ardern,” Mr Hipkins said.
When the AUKUS pact was announced, Ms Ardern’s political opponents were critical that her policy approach meant New Zealand was shut out of involvement in the non-nuclear submarine aspects of the agreement. Ms Ardern also said the future Australian submarines would not be able to enter NZ ports. But Ms Ardern joined Canberra in expressing alarm last year over Beijing’s security pact with Solomon Islands.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
King Charles snubs Australia with message to New ZealandKing Charles has sent a warm message to New Zealanders and the Maori people on Waitangi Day, highlighting the stark contrast in his relationship with Australia.
Read more »
Fears of worsening egg shortage in New Zealand as fire kills 75,000 hens at farmThere are fears the blaze at the Zeagold facility will exacerbate an egg shortage caused by a ban on battery farming
Read more »
'Means a lot to me': Australia, New Zealand PMs exchange gifts after holding talksAnthony Albanese has revealed the items he gifted Chris Hipkins on the New Zealand Prime Minister's visit to Canberra after copping flak for the choice of music he presented to Jacinda Ardern.
Read more »
Citizenship, deportations on agenda as Albanese meets with HipkinsAnthony Albanese has given an update on discussions around streamlining citizenship for New Zealanders in Australia after meeting with Chris Hipkins, as he affirmed Labor's view on deportations.
Read more »