New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has fired back at China, saying Beijing has been “too clever by half” in response to a denial of involvement in this year’s Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Honiara. The volley came after a Chinese embassy post in Tonga suggested there were no accusations of interference, even as it faced questions over whether Beijing influenced the Solomon Islands’ decision to exclude 21 dialogue partners and Taiwan from the upcoming leaders’ summit.
Peters told Pacific Mornings that the question remains: “Well, no one accused them of interference, so why did they name themselves?” He added that sometimes “you can be too clever by half,” urging observers to look at the sequence of events and ask who named China in the first place. The foreign minister spoke as he wrapped up a Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting in Suva, where he said member countries were dissatisfied with the exclusion of the 21 dialogue partners and Taiwan and warned against a repeat of such a move in the future. Peters expressed confidence that next year the quorum and the right invitees would be established without outside interference.
During the Suva discussions, Peters also held talks with Cook Islands Foreign Affairs Minister Tingika Elikana. He reiterated that senior officials are working to mend the relationship between New Zealand and the Cook Islands, following concerns over a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership the Cook Islands signed with China earlier this year without broad consultation. Peters stressed that the connection between the two countries must remain strong “with the full licence, authority, and permission of the Cook Islands people,” not just their temporary leaders. When asked if Elikana had offered an apology, Peters said the moment wasn’t appropriate for such a gesture and that the goal remained fixing the relationship.
Context from the regional press suggests that Peters’ remarks fit into a broader pattern of navigating a shifting Pacific landscape. The Cook Islands’ new partnership with China has sparked concern in Wellington about transparency and the impact on long-standing ties. Earlier coverage highlighted calls for a reset in the NZ-Cook Islands relationship on occasions such as major anniversaries and noted New Zealand’s decision to pause development funding while seeking greater clarity over Beijing-linked deals. Observers say the region must balance growth opportunities with the shared security and development interests that have underpinned decades of cooperation.
In a broader sense, Peters underscored an ongoing message: Pacific nations should determine their own invited guests and the strategic path forward, with transparent engagement and sustained dialogue as the foundation of regional stability. The gains from constructive engagement—climate resilience, shared development projects, and equitable participation in regional forums—remain the guiding objective for New Zealand as it navigates an increasingly globalized Pacific.
Context for readers
– This episode is part of a wider debate over how China’s expanding influence affects the Pacific, including concerns over consultation, transparency, and regional security arrangements under long-standing free-association relationships.
– The Cook Islands’ moves to deepen ties with China have been a focal point of friction with New Zealand, with discussion about funding, sovereignty, and how decisions are communicated to New Zealand and the Cook Islands public.
Possible follow-ups for publication
– Seek official reactions from Solomon Islands authorities about the invitation lists and Taiwan’s status at the forum.
– Request comment from the Cook Islands government on the specifics of the China partnership and what consultations entailed.
– Ask Beijing for a more detailed explanation of its stance on invitation decisions and any implications for regional dialogues.
Summary
Winston Peters’ comments reflect a broader effort by New Zealand to safeguard its regional role and advocate for transparent, inclusive decision-making in Pacific security and diplomacy, particularly in the face of growing China influence. The situation underscores the ongoing push for clearer consultation, regional unity, and steady engagement as Pacific nations navigate shifting geopolitical currents.
Notes for editors
– Related reporting has highlighted New Zealand’s calls for more robust consultation with the Cook Islands regarding China-related agreements and the potential implications for the free-association relationship.
– Consider adding a sidebar that maps the key players (New Zealand, Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, China) and their recent steps to help readers follow the evolving dynamics.
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