Ties with China have been tense under Ardern’s government which has openly raised concerns about Beijing’s growing influence in the South Pacific. China postponed a major tourism campaign in New Zealand days before its launch in February. “China also places a high importance on relations with New Zealand and is willing to,” he said. In 2008, New Zealand became the first Western country to sign a free trade agreement with China. “Human rights issues are things that New Zealand routinely raises in our bilaterals with China,” she said.

Source: The Star April 01, 2019 07:41 UTC