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Mahuta also said in a statement that he “noted New Zealand’s deep concern about the human rights situation in Xinjiang and the erosion of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong.” In Beijing, Mahuta met with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang.

“Nanaia Mahuta expressed concern over developments in the South China Sea and escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait,” the foreign minister said in a statement, quoted by Reuters.

Mahuta said he reiterated New Zealand’s condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. China is Russia’s main ally and both criticize the United States and NATO for undermining global stability.

Mahuta arrived in China on Wednesday (22/3/2023) for a four-day trip. It was the first visit by a New Zealand minister since 2019, and he also met with senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi as well as business leaders and women.

Wang told Mahuta that China and New Zealand have always respected and trusted each other, according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement.

New Zealand has long been seen as a moderate voice against China in the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance which also includes the United States, Australia, Britain and Canada. However, New Zealand’s security tone and China’s growing presence in the South Pacific have strengthened over the past year after China and the Solomon Islands reached a security pact.

New Zealand has consistently expressed concern over the potential militarization of the Pacific, amid China’s military buildup in the South China Sea.

Mahuta said the countries were looking forward to resuming face-to-face dialogue on various issues after a years-long hiatus in face-to-face contacts.

He invited Qin to visit New Zealand and also marked a potential visit by New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins to China, possibly this year. Hipkins became prime minister in January after Jacinda Ardern resigned.

(esn)