- China has accused New Zealand’s prime minister of making “wrong and thus regrettable” statements.
- Jacinda Ardern said China had become “more assertive and willing to challenge international rules and norms”.
- It is the second time in a month that China has taken issue with her comments. Wellington has previously sought not to antagonize Beijing.
China accused New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Friday of making “wrong and thus regrettable” statements that were detrimental to keeping the two countries’ relationship “on track.”
Ardern spoke at the NATO leaders’ summit in Spain this week, saying China had become “more assertive and willing to challenge international rules and norms.”
The Chinese embassy in Wellington responded on Friday, saying it was aware of Ardern’s “misguided” accusations.
“That allegation is wrong and thus regrettable,” the embassy said in a statement posted on its website.
“It is obvious that such comment is not helpful for deepening mutual trust between the two countries, or for the efforts made by the two countries to keep our bilateral relations on the right track.”
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