After the meeting with Xi, Luxon told media he had raised this as an issue, as it was “a concern for many of us in the Pacific – and for the Pacific Island Leaders as well”. “There hadn’t been a missile fired for 44 years and it ended up just north of Tahiti. In the Pacific, we have a history around nuclear testing.”Although New Zealand was advised a few hours before the missile landed, some Pacific Island nations were not told. Despite Luxon’s concerns, both leaders were full of praise for each other’s respective countries in opening remarks ahead of the meeting. Xi said since taking office, Luxon had supported further co-operation between New Zealand and China: “I commend your efforts,” he said through a translator.

Source: New Zealand Herald November 16, 2024 05:28 UTC