Minister of Foreign Affairs Nanaia Mahuta needs to front
up and explain what she’ll be doing to salvage New
Zealand’s relationship with the Pacific, National’s
Foreign Affairs spokesperson Gerry Brownlee
says.
“Last week, we heard that China is seeking a
sweeping agreement with ten Pacific Island countries,
covering everything from national security to climate change
and education. Three countries have already signed up or
indicated their support; the Solomon Islands, Kiribati and
Samoa.
“Since this news, the US’ top official for
the Indo-Pacific has been on the phone to the Fijian Prime
Minister, and the Australian Foreign Minister flew to Fiji
within days of her appointment to reiterate Australia’s
position as a ready and willing partner.
“While our
traditional partners are out engaging with the region and
demonstrating their ability to meet all the needs of the
Pacific, Minister Mahuta and this Government have gone radio
silent. No media, no visible engagement, not even a
tweet.
“That our Pacific neighbours are seriously
considering, and even participating in, such a far-reaching
agreement with China is deeply concerning.
“Minister
Mahuta must urgently provide a plan for how this Government
will respond and prevent the situation where our neighbours
look elsewhere to have their needs
met.”
For years, it has been no secret that China wants closer security and trade ties with the small nations of the Pacific region. All part of Beijing’s self-image as a global superpower. To that end this week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi embarked on an unprecedented 10-day tour of the Pacific, aimed at convincing his Pacific hosts to join a cross-Pacific agreement that would let Beijing provide them with high-level police training and security, shared data co-operation and other joint services ranging from agriculture to tourism…
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