The assistance of New Zealand to small Pacific countries is underway after the Foreign Affairs of Foreign Minister Winston Peter has been dangerously exposed to further effects of CCPs.
The frustration of the New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peter’s President Kirivati and the Foreign Minister Taneti Mamau, the frustration of the slogan, led to a review of support for supporting a small Pacific country further closer to Beijing.
Peters intends to visit all the Pacific countries in the early days of the new government and will meet Maamau in Tarawa on January 21-22. 。
Peter’s Spokesman stated in a statement that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFAT) was informed that MFAT was no longer available.
“This was a pity, because it was (because it was the result of a one -month effort to travel there,” said Spokesman.
“New Zealand is a long -standing partner in Kirivati. Because there is no political level contact, we agree with the joint priority of the development program, ensure that it is targeted and good value for money. Very difficult.
“It’s important for both the Kiribati people and the New Zealand taxpayers, so we are reviewing the development program in Kirivati. The results of the review will be announced.
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“Other aspects of the two countries may be affected.”
On September 25, 2023, Washington DC’s President Taneti Maamau, President of the US Department of State. Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images
Between 2021 and 2024, New Zealand spent $ 122 million ($ 57.7 million) for Kiribati’s health, education, fisheries, economic development, and climate resilience.
The review conditions for the review are still confirmed, and it is unknown whether the funds will be reduced or the already ongoing project will be affected. Peter’s office states that it will not be made until the review is completed.
For now, the Kirivatians will continue to maintain the recognized seasonal employer (RSE) scheme qualifications. With RSE visas, people can temporarily work in the New Zealand horticultural and grape cultivation industry.
Peter’s office has promised to cooperate with New Zealand deeply evaluating the contributions of RSE workers to the country and guaranteeing that the scheme will have positive results to all stakeholders. Was stated.
“But without an open dialogue, it is difficult to meet this commitment.”
Spokesman said that the happiness of the Kiribati people was the center of the reference conditions and would reflect this.
They said New Zealand said, “As we always did, we are ready to be involved at a high level.
New Zealand wants engagement
According to Alexander Tebo, the Minister of Education of the Maamau government, the conference was not held because the president had an “important historical event planned”.
“The date of this important event was established a few months ago by the head of the Catholic Church,” said Tobo.
But Peters said in an unusual statement of today’s reporter and he did not believe the excuse.
“It was the President who set the date of January 22, so if he set up the date, how is the previous statement correct?” Peter said.
New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins said in the second half of today.
“We need to be very careful about where our assistance is, how it is being used, and I agree with him. We are rude. I can’t have. “
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he did not know whether the lack of communication is approaching Kirivati and the CCP (CCP).
“The Foreign Minister has tried several times as a new government to talk to Kiribati and have a relationship there, and as a result, we do not engage in taxpayers. He needs to do it at all.
Luxon said that what would happen after the review will be decided.
In this file photo on March 13, 2015, the aftermath of Cyclone Pam is flooding on the Island of Kirivati. Plan for International Australia via Getty Images
Does this push Kiribati toward Beijing?
New Zealand’s risks and allies, including the United States and Australia, can now approach Beijing, the current diplomatic columns away from traditional Kiribati’s traditional assistance partners.
In 2019, at the request of Maamau, the country switched diplomatic relations from Taiwan to China.
According to the Sydney -based royal research institute, Beijing became the third largest donor in 2022, providing direct aid of $ 23.8 million compared to $ 27.1 million from Australia and $ 11.7 million from New Zealand. 。
CCP also built roads, supplied agricultural supplies to small farms, and dispatched police teams to train local officers.
In 2019, before the change of loyalty and some inter -country transactions, it did not contribute.
In December 2024, Roy has said that the Banuatsu, along with the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, and Tubar, is one of the seven Pacific countries, “the risk of debt difficulties is high.” Since government expenditures exceed their revenue on a daily basis, these countries are dependent on overseas assistance to maintain solvents.
Kirivati is one of the most dependent countries in the world. In 2022, foreign assistance accounted for 18 % of national income.
In addition, it is built on the atoll, and the risk of sea level rise is the highest. The fact that it is close to Hawaii and its vast exclusive economic zone (the twelfth largest in the world) has increased considerable strategic importance.
Wellington and Canberra officials have expressed growing dissatisfaction with the lack of Tarawa involvement on the development project.
So far, Australia has adopted a softer approach than neighbors.
Defense Minister Richard Mares traveled to Kiribati earlier this month and delivered a patrol ship. Despite being a gift, he could not meet Maamau, but instead was kicked out by his agent.
However, the Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement this week that the country has been committed to many years of partnership with Kirivati.
