New Zealand's Ardern in Tokyo to meet Kishida, promote trade
TOKYO (AP) — New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is in Japan on Thursday as part of her first trip abroad in more than two years, as her government seeks to promote the country's reopening for business and tourism following a pandemic-related border closure, while Japan wants to focus on mutual security concerns, including China’s new alliance with the Solomon Islands.
Ardern arrived in Japan late Wednesday after her three-day visit in Singapore, where her talks with leaders focused on the economy and bilateral cooperation on climate change and adopting low-carbon and green technologies.
Japanese officials say a new security agreement between China and the Solomon Islands, as well as concerns about Beijing's increasing military activity in the East and South China seas, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, will be among the main issues discussed when Prime Minister Fumio Kishida meets Ardern later Thursday.
“The new security agreement between China and Solomon Islands could affect the security in the entire Pacific region, and Japan is watching the development with concern,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters. “We hope to firmly discuss the issue with New Zealand in the context of achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
The security pact allows China to send police and military personnel to the Solomon Islands while also opening the door for Chinese warships to stop in port. It has triggered worries of a possible Chinese naval base on the doorstep of Australia and New Zealand.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said the pact would not “undermine the peace and harmony of our region” as has been feared by the opposition and countries including the United States and Australia. Sogavare said his government would not let China...
