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‘Nothing to worry about’: Prime Minister Brown on China agreement

Sunday 16 February 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in BREAKING NEWS, Local, National, Politics

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‘Nothing to worry about’: Prime Minister Brown on China agreement
Prime Minister Mark Brown at the Rarotonga International Airport VIP Lounge today. Picture: RASHNEEL KUMAR

Prime Minister Mark Brown has reaffirmed his commitment to publishing the Joint Action Plan for Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) 2025-2030 agreement with China.

PM Brown and his delegation returned today from their weeklong state visit and were welcomed at Rarotonga International Airport by the Ui Ariki, Religious Advisory Council, Cabinet Ministers and families.

In a press conference, Brown said the comprehensive strategic partnership will be “out online very shortly, people can see for themselves”.

He also acknowledged concerns raised by New Zealand regarding the lack of consultation on the agreement, adding that after New Zealand has reviewed their agreement with China, “there will be nothing for them to be concerned about”.

“When they read our comprehensive strategic partnership, I hope they read it in partnership with New Zealand’s own comprehensive strategic partnership and then tell me where the differences are that causes concern,” PM Brown said.

“I’m very happy as I said for our action plan document to be put out to the public sphere for everybody to have a look at it. And I’m sure once the New Zealand Government has a look at it that there will be nothing for them to be concerned about.”

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Comments

Warren Wichman on 20/02/2025

One could be forgiven to thinking that the PM is on steeper learning curve than the general public. And to suggest that his antics hasn't weakened our relationship with New Zealand is nonsense. New Zealand ministers are stating publically that this issue is undermining the relationship.