Winston Peters on the complex relationship with China – Te Ao Māori News

This year marks the 10th anniversary of New Zealand’s comprehensive strategic partnership with China and 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations with China.

Winston Peters spoke today to the New Zealand China Council, which has been essential, Peters said, in helping to build, shape and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between China and New Zealand.

Peters highlighted China’s achievements in being the world’s second largest economy.

Its remarkable history of economic growth has lifted millions of people out of poverty as China has transformed into a major player in international trade.

— Winston Peters

China has been New Zealand’s largest trading partner since 2017 and Peters said that on Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s recent visit to Wellington, the pair discussed important areas of cooperation between the two countries.

“Beyond trade ties, we work closely to combat climate change, changes to emissions trading schemes, green finance and other issues,” Peters said. “We work closely with China on agreed scientific priorities: food, environment, health and biomedical sciences.”

Peters also reflected on New Zealand’s long history with China, “from the early days of migration from China, coming to our shores in search of gold and fortune, to today, where New Zealand’s rich and diverse (Chinese) community enriches the cultural fabric of our country. “

“Now, in addition to these issues, during Minister Wang Yi’s visit to New Zealand, we also spoke at length about the areas where New Zealand and China have different views.”

In a mature relationship, like ours, it is possible to discuss differences openly, respectfully, and predictably. We will continue to share our concerns with China where we have them.

— Winston Peters

Peters said there is an expectation that China will comply with the commitments and principles underpinning internationally agreed human rights frameworks, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. She reaffirmed concerns raised about abuses against ethnic Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang and human rights violations in Hong Kong and Tibet. He pointed to concerns over tested stability in the South China Sea between China and the Philippines and rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

The issue of cyber attacks, for which China has denied responsibility, was also raised as “deeply worrying” and “completely unacceptable”.

“Our long-standing partnerships in the Pacific have taught us that engagement in the region must promote Pacific priorities, be consistent with established regional practices and support Pacific regional institutions, including the Pacific Islands Forum as a regional body. preeminent in the region. China has a long-standing presence in the Pacific, but we are seriously concerned about greater involvement in Pacific security sectors. “We do not want to see events that destabilize the institutions and agreements that have long underpinned the security of our region.”