News

New Zealand is pragmatic on China, but does it have a choice?

Published

2 years ago

July 3, 2023

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New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins trod a careful line on his first trip to China last week as leader, winning applause from China.

Hipkins is a man in trouble. He’s facing an election with an economy in recession.

If the saying is right “It’s the economy, stupid”, then New Zealand may have a new government.

His trip to China focused on trade and economic opportunities but avoided contentious issues such as human rights abuses in Xinjiang or security concerns.

Let’s remember this is the Labour party, and he follows the charismatic Jacinda Ardern, lauded for her ability to speak for minorities.

Tight election

Barely three months out from what looks likely to be a tight election and with the economy already technically in recession, analysts say Hipkins is seeking to step out of the shadow of high-profile former leader Jacinda Ardern and show he is the person to run the country for a further three years.

One angle Hipkins is focusing on is assuring voters that Labour is the party to bring back prosperity – and that means avoiding disputes with the country’s largest trading partner, which could damage New Zealand exports.

“This was a big visit for Hipkins who is cementing his profile as a new prime minister in an election year,” said Robert Ayson, professor of strategic studies at Victoria University.

“Hipkins pulled his punches on anything controversial. We were back, for a moment at least, where New Zealand admits it does not see eye to eye with China on some big matters without actually naming them.”

New Zealand has long been seen as the most conciliatory towards China among the Five Eyes security grouping, which includes Australia, the U.S., Britain and Canada.

Democratic erosion

But the country’s Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta and Ardern in recent meetings with counterparts noted the situation in Xinjiang and the erosion of democracy in Hong Kong, while raising concerns about potential militarisation in the Pacific and tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

The statement after Hipkins’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping mentioned none of these issues.

“(Hipkins’s) visit certainly gave China a tick in the international legitimacy box and Beijing has gained at least as much from Hipkins’ visit as New Zealand exporters,” Victoria University’s Ayson said.

New Zealand exporters were prominent in the visit with a delegation of 29 businesses travelling with the prime minister to China.

Business is not a traditional supporter base of the Labour Party, but Hipkins has been focused on winning this sector over since he took office – his first full day in the job in January he spent talking to business leaders in Auckland.

“My sense is that there’s a significant aspect of domestic politics here in an election year, and that Hipkins wants to be seen as a sort of good steward of the China relationship,” said David Capie, Director of the Centre for Strategic Studies at Victoria University.

News

Newly unsealed Epstein emails raise questions about Prince Andrew

Epstein emails implicate Prince Andrew in inappropriate conduct as pressure mounts for his cooperation with U.S. authorities

Published

8 hours ago

December 26, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Epstein emails implicate Prince Andrew in inappropriate conduct as pressure mounts for his cooperation with U.S. authorities

In Short:
– The U.S. Justice Department released documents showing Ghislaine Maxwell’s emails linking Prince Andrew to Jeffrey Epstein.
– Andrew denies involvement with Epstein, settling a lawsuit without admitting guilt amidst rising scrutiny.

Nearly 30,000 pages of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents were released by the U.S. Justice Department, including emails from 2001 between Ghislaine Maxwell and an individual signing as “A” from Balmoral. One email, signed “The Invisible Man,” asked Maxwell for “new inappropriate friends,” sparking renewed scrutiny of Prince Andrew’s connections.

Subsequent evidence suggests the sender may have been Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, referencing personal details consistent with his life, including the death of his longtime valet and leaving the Royal Navy. A 2002 email further described “Andrew” as a “very English-sounding gentleman” coordinating a trip to Peru with requests for specific companions.

The documents reveal that U.S. prosecutors sought to interview Mountbatten-Windsor over two criminal investigations, citing evidence he engaged in sexual conduct involving one of Epstein’s victims. Despite mounting pressure and losing his royal titles, he has denied wrongdoing, settling a civil lawsuit without admitting guilt.

News

Pope Leo XIV addresses Gaza crisis during Christmas Mass

Pope Leo XIV highlights Gaza humanitarian crisis during first Christmas Mass, urging dialogue and addressing severe conditions for displaced Palestinians

Published

8 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Pope Leo XIV highlights Gaza humanitarian crisis during the first Christmas Mass, urging dialogue and addressing severe conditions for displaced Palestinians

In Short:
– Pope Leo XIV urged awareness of the Gaza crisis and the hardships faced by Palestinians during his Christmas Mass.
– He expressed concern for global homelessness and called for dialogue as essential for achieving peace.

Pope Leo XIV used his first Christmas Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver a powerful and deeply human message, placing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza at the centre of his inaugural Christmas address. Drawing on the story of Jesus’ birth, the pontiff made a stark comparison to the lives of displaced Palestinians, asking how the world could ignore families living in tents, exposed to weeks of rain, wind and cold. His remarks set an early tone for his papacy — one grounded in compassion, moral urgency and advocacy for those caught in conflict.

Massive shortfall

The Pope’s comments come as conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate sharply. An estimated 1.3 million Palestinians are in urgent need of shelter this winter, with recent storms destroying approximately 110,000 tents. Humanitarian organisations report deaths due to exposure among vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly. The Norwegian Refugee Council says just 15,600 tents have been delivered so far, leaving a massive shortfall, while restrictions on the entry of shelter materials have compounded the crisis and intensified suffering across the region.

Beyond Gaza, Leo widened his message to condemn the broader toll of war, speaking of the “fragile flesh of defenceless populations” harmed by global conflicts. He criticised those who send young soldiers into battle and stressed that peace can only be achieved through dialogue, not entrenched monologues. “There will be peace when our monologues are interrupted,” he said, urging leaders to recognise the humanity of the other. His upcoming Urbi et Orbi blessing is expected to address multiple global crises, reinforcing his diplomatic approach and his call for peace, solidarity and human dignity.

News

Bondi terror attack: Months of planning, extremist videos and a deadly plot exposed

Published

2 days ago

December 24, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Newly released court documents have revealed chilling details about the Bondi terror attack, marking one of Australia’s deadliest attacks in decades. Father-and-son duo Sajid and Naveed Akram allegedly spent months meticulously planning the assault, targeting the “Chanukah by the Sea” festival on Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Police say the pair rehearsed tactics, filmed extremist propaganda, and prepared multiple improvised explosive devices long before the attack that killed 15 people and injured dozens more.

Investigators allege the attack began with the men throwing four improvised bombs into a crowded festival of over 1,000 attendees. The devices, including pipe bombs and a “tennis ball bomb” packed with shrapnel, failed to detonate, but authorities have described them as “viable” IEDs. Moments later, the Akrams opened fire from a footbridge overlooking the festival, creating a scene of chaos and tragedy. Among the victims were a 10-year-old girl, a Holocaust survivor, and worshippers who attempted to confront the gunmen.

Court documents also reveal months of preparation, including firearms training in rural New South Wales. The pair was captured on video handling long-barrelled shotguns, moving tactically, and simulating an assault scenario. Additional footage shows the men seated in front of an Islamic State flag, guns and ammunition visible, as Naveed recites passages from the Quran and then outlines the ideological motivations behind the planned Bondi attack. Authorities say these materials demonstrate a pattern of premeditation and adherence to extremist ideology.

Overseas Islamist networks

Investigators also point to digital evidence recovered from Naveed’s phone, which includes a manifesto and detailed plans for the attack. Police allege the pair’s earlier month-long trip to the southern Philippines may have included contacts with overseas Islamist networks. Intelligence agencies previously reviewed Naveed for potential radicalisation in 2019, but concluded he did not pose a threat. Sajid Akram, meanwhile, legally owned six rifles and shotguns that were later used in the attack.

The human toll of the attack has had lasting impacts on the community. Survivors and witnesses recall the terror of that day as families gathered in celebration. Lawmakers have responded with urgency, including NSW Premier Chris Minns fast-tracked reforms to tighten firearm laws, ban public displays of terrorist symbols, and expand police powers. At a national level, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has secured agreement from state and territory leaders to review and strengthen post-Port Arthur gun laws and introduce measures targeting extremist propaganda and hate speech.

The Bondi terror attack stands as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of extremist planning and the importance of vigilant intelligence and community safety measures. While court proceedings continue, the public response underscores the shared grief and determination to prevent such tragedies in the future.