KATIE SCOTHCHER / POOL
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern emphasized allegations of human rights abuses in China and called for nuclear disarmament during a speech at the overnight NATO summit.
Ardern said her speech underscores the country’s “strongly maintained and independent foreign policy” and its commitment to standing for peace and human rights.
Her three-minute “intervention,” what NATO calls a speech, touched upon Ukraine’s aggression and climate change and accused her of “willingness to challenge international rules and norms.”
She said Russia is targeting New Zealand as part of a “misinformation and disinformation campaign” despite its geographical distance in the South Pacific.
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While blaming Russia and expressing concern over China’s willingness to break international norms, she began her speech with a clear note that New Zealand did not want to expand its military alliance.
New Zealand is not an official member of NATO, but a partner in the military alliance. It was invited to NATO as one of the “AP4” Asia-Pacific partners of the Alliance, which includes South Korea, Japan and Australia.
She said the Russian invasion was not just a war against Ukraine, but “it is a Russian war against all those who have a basic sense of humanity and choose to act on it.”
“I also have a request,” she said. “Do not allow the legacy of war in Ukraine to become an arms race or a more polarized and dangerous world.”
“New Zealand is a country in the Pacific. Our region has suffered decades of nuclear testing. It is these lessons that have long proudly declared New Zealand a nuclear-free zone. Thanks. Some may observe this situation and assume that we have the naive privilege of such a position. I argue that the world can’t afford any more. To do.”
As for China, she said, it is clear that the country is becoming more aggressive and needs to be addressed.
“We must adhere to a rule-based order, call for diplomatic involvement, and speak out to oppose human rights abuses anytime, anywhere,” she said.