New Zealand is reliant upon China, a country that makes up about a third of its export market. So, when the country’s prime minister, Chris Hipkins, visited Beijing this week, it is hardly a surprise that he avoided saying anything to offend his hosts.
The Global Times, China’s state-run tabloid, said New Zealand’s ‘proactive’ diplomacy and actions with respect to China set ‘an example for other western countries’. In reality, that meant toeing the line on controversial issues like human rights, tensions in the South China Sea and China’s expansion into the Pacific.
Hipkins would not divulge what he discussed during his 40-minute chat with president Xi, or what was put forward by the Chinese side. But it seems safe to assume from his hesitant answers afterwards that he opted to play it safe.
Most popular
David Butterfield
Most-read 2024: Decline and fall – how university education became infantilised
At times his responses to journalists were opaque.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in