The Pacific is the top recipient of New Zealand foreign aid but experts say Wellington’s engagement in the region has declined in recent years
to Pacific nations in response to the news. Shortly after, Mahuta’s office announced a continuation of New Zealand’s military and police presence in the Solomons.
“There’s much more complex political narratives at play than what we’re seeing on the surface … It’s a matter of playing smart politics, because sometimes when you try to stop another power from engaging in the region, you actually escalate the problem.”New Zealand’s influence in the Pacific has declined in recent years as China’s has risen, says Dr Anna Powles, senior lecturer at the Centre for Defence and Security Studies at Massey University.
New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern dismissed criticisms that her government has neglected the Pacific.China provided around $3bn in aid to Pacific countries between 2006 and 2020 according to the Lowy Institute, and is nowfor the Pacific. In October last year, an inaugural China-Pacific Islands foreign ministers meeting was held, with plans for regular meetings.
The Pacific has long been the primary recipient of New Zealand aid. However, New Zealand’s total aid declined during the previous government from 0.3% to 0.25% of GDP. About 60% of New Zealand’s foreign aid goes to the Pacific.
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