Ardern said the Pacific is a “contested region” and noted that the US is also seeking to engage there.
“We want cooperation in areas where we have shared concern, like climate adaptation and mitigation,” Ardern told reporters. “We want quality investment in infrastructure. We don’t want militarization. We don’t want an escalation in tension. We want peace and stability.” Ardern spoke to reporters after meetings in New York on the first day of a trade and tourism visit to the US. She is yet to confirm a White House meeting with President Joe Biden. A recording of the news conference was published by the NZ Herald.
Asked about China’s role in the Pacific, Ardern said it is not necessarily just its presence but “the nature of that presence and the intention around it.”