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The Foreign Desk
Explainer 454: New Zealand’s beef with its neighbours
Feb 12, 2025
New Zealand's diplomatic journey takes a twist as tensions rise with the Cook Islands and Kiribati. The podcast dives into how increasing Chinese influence complicates the Pacific landscape. It highlights the balance between New Zealand's friendly diplomacy and the serious security challenges in the region. Discover how cultural ties and political interests intertwine in this fascinating exploration of Pacific dynamics.
06:02
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Quick takeaways
- New Zealand's recent tensions with the Cook Islands stem from concerns over China's growing influence and strategic partnerships in the Pacific.
- Kiribati's diplomatic challenges with New Zealand highlight the competition for influence in the region amidst escalating geopolitical tensions.
Deep dives
New Zealand's Diplomatic Challenges in the South Pacific
New Zealand typically enjoys amicable relationships with its regional neighbors, largely due to geographical and political factors. However, recent tensions have arisen with the Cook Islands and Kiribati, reflecting a shift in this dynamic. The Cook Islands, which was a colony of New Zealand until 1965, has sparked controversy with its Prime Minister Mark Brown's move to form a strategic partnership with China, raising concerns about Chinese influence in the Pacific. This has led to debates over Cook Islands' passport policies and New Zealand's ability to engage effectively with its former territory amid growing geopolitical competition.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode