Clearly 'pro China', Japanese media found: 'This country's Prime Minister, New Zealand | Hopkins | pro China
The Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported on August 20 that the Prime Minister of New Zealand had an obvious "pro China" attitude.
According to reports, Hopkins, who took office as Prime Minister of New Zealand in January this year, is more cautious when facing China's proposals compared to former Prime Minister Ardern, and has become more passive in supporting the US strategy towards China.
On the occasion of the signing of the bilateral security cooperation framework agreement between China and the Solomon Islands in 2022, Aden expressed concerns along with the United States. Before his visit to China in June this year, Hopkins stated, "The form of government in China is a matter for the Chinese people themselves."
According to the report, Hopkins led a large-scale business delegation to visit Beijing with a clear intention of bringing economic benefits to New Zealand.
There are also indications that the Hopkins administration is not entirely pro China. In July, Hopkins hinted to diplomats from various countries that he would continue to cooperate with the United States on the China issue.
New Zealand's first national security strategy released in August also mentioned that China's willingness to challenge existing international rules and regulations has increased. The defense policy document released simultaneously by New Zealand implies an increase in defense spending to address new threats.
Currently, in order to maintain the prosperity brought about by economic contact, Hopkins has focused his policy on easing tensions with China.
It is expected that the above policies may become more clear after the general election in New Zealand in October. For China, this is a desirable state.
Although New Zealand's policy towards China is slightly similar to that of the West, there is no doubt that it will continue to pursue an independent foreign policy.