Jacinda Ardern has strongly denied perceptions her government's position on China is different to Australia's, as Scott Morrison warned against those seeking to “divide” the close allies.
Both leaders expressed “deep concern” over developments limiting rights and freedoms in Hong Kong and also expressed “grave concerns” about the human rights situation against Muslim minorities in the Xinjiang region.
Ms Ardern said both Australia and New Zealand share an “enthusiasm” to consider expanding the trans-Tasman travel bubble more broadly to countries in the Pacific. Mr Morrison said he remained focused on prioritising travel through labour schemes with Pacific neighbours, in particular to bring in seasonal workers. “We are very mindful that across the Pacific, where COVID-19 has had and will continue to have the potential to cause terrible devastation in those communities.”