New Zealand Says ‘Seriously Concerned’ by China’s Increased Security Actions in Pacific

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said China's increased presence in the South Pacific threatens to destabilize the region. Marty MELVILLE / AFP

New Zealand’s foreign minister on Friday criticized China’s bid for an increased security presence in the Pacific Islands, warning against actions that could “destabilize” or undermine regional security.

“China has a long-standing presence in the Pacific, but we are seriously concerned about increased engagement in Pacific security sectors,” Winston Peters said in a speech on relations with China that offered rare criticism of New Zealand’s key trading partner.

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