New Zealand and China in December are to mark 50th years since they established formal diplomatic relations. However, New Zealand has always had different views from China on human rights, the rule of law and security issues, and is becoming concerned about Beijing’s growing influence in the Pacific region. Speaking at a NATO summit in Madrid on June 29, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and stressed the importance of the international rules-based order, adding that China has become more assertive and willing to challenge international norms. On July 1, Ardern met with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson