OPINION: We have become troubled in recent days by pressure on us from our friends to speak out more forcefully on China. As part of our independent foreign policy it has resisted associating itself with the Five Eyes’ statements. Brittany Keogh/Stuff Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta has taken issue with what she sees as Five Eyes’ expanding remit. The foreign minister has talked of China’s human rights abuses but said that though the two nations are different, “each is worthy of respect”. There is no middle ground for an independent stance: we either condemn the grave abuses being committed by China or by staying silent we effectively side with China.

Source: Stuff April 27, 2021 16:52 UTC