Robert Ayson News Today

The prime minister aims to step out of the shadow of former leader Jacinda Ardern, analysts say

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins trod a careful line on his first trip to China last week as leader, focusing on trade and economic opportunities but avoiding contentious issues such as human rights abuses in Xinjiang or security concerns.

WELLINGTON - New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins trod a careful line on his first trip to China last week as leader, focusing on trade and economic opportunities but avoiding contentious issues such as human rights abuses in Xinjiang or security concerns. Barely three months out from what looks likely to be a tight election and with the economy already...

Bringing Taiwan to the World and the World to Taiwan

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins' week-long trip to China centred on a meeting with China's President Xi Jinping, one of the world's most powerful men.  Amid tense geostrategic conditions and with a trip to NATO in Europe looming, the stakes were sky high - but his diplomatic dance with the dragon was largely a success.  In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Reporter Katie Scotcher analyses the success of Prime Minister Chris Hipkins' first big overseas trips. 

OPINION: Letters on cat's prescriptions, vape stores, Russia, and submersibles.

The nuclear submarine deal was 'top-level room at the casino', says former Australian PM.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins' whistlestop trip to Papua New Guinea sends a clear message: superpowers may come and go, but New Zealand is here to stay.  The US and PNG signing a security deal is the latest iteration of increasing competition in the region, but strategic studies expert Robert Ayson says New Zealand has ways of staying close to its Pacific neighbours - despite the US-China struggle for influence.  In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Reporter Anneke Smith visi...

248 influential figures from 50 countries, including China, Russia, and the US, warn that nuclear arms control cannot fall victim to geopolitical competition

Political realities may push defense reform to the backburner, as another delay is revealed.