In a speech at London’s Chatham House, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern reiterated her concerns about China’s claims and challenges to international law.
This was Ardern’s second major speech during his diplomatic trip to Europe, challenging China’s military position and accusing it of ignoring international rules.
In a speech to world leaders at the NATO summit in Madrid, Spain earlier this week, Ardern also emphasized China’s human rights abuses.
The Chinese embassy in New Zealand issued a statement shortly thereafter, stating that Ardern’s speech was “misplaced” and “wrong and disappointing.”
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On Friday afternoon, Ardern spoke to the sold-out auditorium at Chatham House. The auditorium was in high demand, so she streamed her speech online.
The Chatham House speech was not made under the Chatham House Rule, so I was able to report it.
Glen McConnell / Staff
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will speak at Chatham House in London.
Ardern joked that it was clear enough that the Chatham House Rule did not apply when he arrived to see “the friendly face of the New Zealand media.”
The British press, which closely tracks Ardern’s move in London, also attended the event.
She began her visit to London by appearing on a morning television show before meeting British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
House of Commons members also participated in this event.
GLENN MCCONNELL / Staff
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will meet with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson at 10 Downing Street in London, England.
Ardern began his speech with memories of working in London, including the Cabinet Office under Prime Minister Tony Blair.
She then raised China for speeches that focused primarily on foreign policy.
“China, our largest trading partner and diplomatic country since the 1970s, is becoming more and more active in our region,” she said.
“The rule of law has been challenged in the South China Sea, where there are actions that pose risks to the construction, militarization and freedom of navigation of artificial islands.”
At the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), she calls on countries to do more to protect the world’s “rule-based order” and needs to respond to China’s more aggressive stance in the Asia-Pacific. Said there is.
China responded to the speech, saying that actions in the Pacific are focused on helping countries prepare for and respond to the effects of climate change.
Manuel Fernandes / AP
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern attended the NATO summit as one of the “AP4s”.
Ardern said he did not expect another response from China in answering questions about Chatham House’s speech.
She said her position on China has not changed and is not news for China.
However, during London’s speech, Ardern welcomed China’s involvement in the region, as long as the Pacific Ocean was completely self-determining.