New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern urged China to condemn “Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine and use its influence to resolve the crisis.”

“The consequences of this war are global and are felt far beyond European borders, including here in the Indo-Pacific region, whose stability we care about,” she said in a speech at a conference with Chinese businessmen in Auckland, pointing out, that “the losses will be severe. For the whole world, if the rules-based international order falters.”

Ardern expressed her belief that “existing international rules, regulations and institutions that have been helpful to democratic countries are facing threats,” noting that “in light of rising tensions and new threats in the region, especially in the Pacific, the South China sea ​​or the Taiwan Strait – no New Zealand position remains firm, we call for respect for international rules and regulations, the use of diplomacy, the de-escalation of tensions and dialogue.”