New Zealand's displeasure over China's activities in South China Sea and Taiwan

Beijing – New Zealand expressed strong displeasure over the ongoing activities of China in the South China Sea and Taiwan region. New Zealand’s Foreign Minister recently visited China. According to the New Zealand Department of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Mahuta clearly expressed New Zealand’s concerns in a discussion with the Chinese Foreign Minister and senior leaders during this visit. Besides, it has been mentioned in the statement of the Department of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand that at this time, she also raised the issue of Uygur descent in Xinjiang and human rights in Hong Kong.

China has stated its claim on the Nine-dash line area in the South China Sea. In addition, the maritime and airspace rights of Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia have been completely unacceptable to China. Moreover, China has also trampled on the verdict given by the International Court in favour of the Philippines on this issue. Simultaneously, China’s defence forces have constantly been infiltrating Taiwan, and efforts have been underway to pressure Taiwan through various means.

Furthermore, western countries, including the US, have started taking an aggressive stance against these Chinese activities. Countries in the Asia-Pacific region have also begun to defy and express their displeasure against Chinese pressure. Countries like Australia, Japan, Vietnam, and India have been at the forefront of this. However, New Zealand has so far adopted a soft policy towards China. Despite being a US-sponsored Five Eyes group member, New Zealand’s stance regarding China has been considered surprising.

Against this backdrop, the visit to China by the Foreign Minister of New Zealand and the statements made at the end of it becomes noteworthy. During her visit, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta discussed with senior Chinese officials and entrepreneurs along with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang and Senior Advisor Wang Yi. The statement said that Mahuta raised the issue of the South China Sea, Taiwan, Xinjiang and Hong Kong in the discussion. At the same time, New Zealand said that Mahuta also raised the issue of arms supplied by China to Russia.

Moreover, New Zealand seems to have taken an open stance against China for the first time by raising issues that trouble China. Besides, analysts claim that this matter further increases the challenges facing China. Analysts also say that New Zealand’s changing stance signals that countries that previously did not speak out against China have now been coming forward and starting to speak openly. However, China has not yet responded to Mahuta’s statement.

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