AUCKLAND, July 17 (Reuters) - The Pacific region is becoming more contested and less secure as China becomes more assertive, New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said on Monday, outlining the country’s need to work with like-minded partners while still engaging with Beijing.
“Our region is becoming more contested, less predictable, and less secure,” he said.
“And that poses challenges for small countries like New Zealand that are reliant on the stability and predictability of international rules for our prosperity and security."
“In this increasingly complex global environment, our relationship with China will continue to require careful management,” he said.
Wang Xiaolong, China’s ambassador to New Zealand said in a speech that China and New Zealand relations were healthy, stable and thriving.
Persons:
Chris Hipkins, Hipkins, ”, Wang Xiaolong, Lucy Craymer, Sandra Maler
Organizations:
AUCKLAND, Zealand, China Business Summit, Thomson
Locations:
China, Beijing, Auckland, “, New Zealand, New, Wellington, Australia, Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Lincoln