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

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2 years ago

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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.

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Pope Francis dies aged 88 as world mourns historic papacy

The world mourns Pope Francis, the transformative first Latin American pontiff, who died at 88, with global tributes and a nine-day mourning period ahead of a conclave.

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17 hours ago

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April 22, 2025

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The world mourns Pope Francis, the transformative first Latin American pontiff, who died at 88, with global tributes and a nine-day mourning period ahead of a conclave.


The world is grieving the loss of Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a transformative figure in the Catholic Church, who died aged 88.

Known as The People’s Pope, he championed mercy, humility, and compassion throughout his 12-year papacy.

Leaders across the globe, including President Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, have paid tribute to his lasting legacy. A nine-day mourning period begins, followed by the election of a new Pope via conclave at the Vatican.

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Pope Francis was a spiritual giant who championed humility

Pope Francis, aged 88, dies from double pneumonia, leaving a legacy of compassion and inclusion as the Church’s first Latin American and Jesuit leader.

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1 day ago

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April 21, 2025

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Pope Francis, aged 88, dies from double pneumonia, leaving a legacy of compassion and inclusion as the Church’s first Latin American and Jesuit leader.


Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, following complications from double pneumonia. The Vatican confirmed his death on Monday morning, with Cardinal Kevin Farrell announcing that “the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father” at 7:35am.

The first Latin American and Jesuit Pope, Francis led the Roman Catholic Church for over a decade, earning global praise for his humility, progressive stance, and focus on inclusion and compassion.

Just days before his passing, the Pope surprised crowds at Easter Sunday Mass, blessing worshippers in St Peter’s Square. Despite recent hospitalisation with bronchitis, he appeared in good spirits, even pausing to bless children from the Popemobile.

His death has triggered nine days of mourning in Italy. Leaders around the world have paid tribute. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called him a man “whose compassion embraced all humanity,” while Opposition Leader Peter Dutton described his devotion as unwavering.

Francis will be remembered not only as a man of many firsts — the first Jesuit Pope, the first from the Global South — but also as a tireless advocate for the poor, refugees, and marginalised communities.

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Pope Francis dies, ending 12-year papacy

Pope Francis, the first Latin American Pope, dies at 88 after 12 years of tackling division and reform in the Church.

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1 day ago

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April 21, 2025

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Pope Francis, the first Latin American Pope, dies at 88 after 12 years of tackling division and reform in the Church.

In Short

Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at 88 after a 12-year papacy marked by reform attempts and health issues.

His passing initiates a period of mourning and the process for selecting his successor.

Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away.

The Vatican confirmed his death in a video statement released on Monday. His papacy lasted for 12 years and was characterised by both division and tension.

“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced on the Vatican’s TV channel.

“At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”

Concern for the poor

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected pope on March 13, 2013, surprising many Church watchers who had seen the Argentine cleric, known for his concern for the poor, as an outsider.

Pope Francis sought to reform the Roman Catholic Church, which faced criticism for its traditional practices.

At the age of 88, he had been dealing with several health issues during his time as pope. His leadership style often challenged the status quo within the Church.

Pope Francis’s death marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of the Vatican.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected pope on March 13, 2013, surprising many Church watchers who had seen the Argentine cleric, known for his concern for the poor, as an outsider.

The global Catholic community will now enter a period of mourning and reflection. The process for selecting his successor will soon begin.

Carries the weight of the changes he proposed during his tenure.

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