New Zealand foreign minister calls China relationship complex

WELLINGTON: New Zealand’s foreign minister on Friday described the country’s relationship with China as “complex,” and called out the hardening rhetoric across the Taiwan Strait, human rights violations in Hong Kong and “increased engagement in Pacific security sectors.”

Winston Peters said in the speech to the New Zealand China Council in Auckland that China was a vital economic partner to New Zealand, with whom it has many things in common as well as many differences of opinions.

“Human rights are one such issue. We expect China to adhere to the principles and commitments that underpin internationally agreed human rights framework,” he said.