Ready to respond to security needs in the Pacific: New Zealand PM
New Delhi: Prime Minister of New Zealand – Jacinda Ardern – has expressed concern about China’s steps in the Pacific. “New Zealand is ready to respond to security needs in the Pacific after it emerged China is planning a Pacific-wide security deal with almost a dozen island nations,” Ardern said.
Intentions of China to disturb the peace and stability everywhere – not only challenge QUAD member countries but it is also bringing countries like New Zealand into the battle.
The prime minister, who is touring the US, said she believed the Pacific could meet its security needs internally, implying it should do so without intervention from China or elsewhere.
“On anything related to security arrangements, we are very strongly of the view that we have within the Pacific the means and ability to respond to any security challenges that exist and New Zealand is willing to do that,” Ardern said.
“It’s not for us to speak on behalf of other Pacific nations but what I can say is, where that need exists, New Zealand stands ready to respond to it. The Pacific is our home. We considered the Pacific our family, and where those needs exist, we are ready and willing to respond to that call,” New Zealand PM said.
According to a media report, China’s proposed regional security deal had not been received well by all Pacific leaders. But it does increase the pressure on the larger Pacific players – particularly Australia and New Zealand – to bolster their relationships and partnerships within the region.
New Zealand’s foreign affairs minister, Nanaia Mahuta said “a shock security pact between China and Solomon Islands was evidence of “a relationship failure” and had taken both Australia and New Zealand by surprise,”
(Vinayak)
