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"New Zealand has a vital role in the region, and we prioritize practical collaboration over geopolitical tensions," Mitchell stated. Nevertheless, the underlying regional dynamics are undeniable, with China’s influence steadily growing through military demonstrations and resource agreements.
The Broader Context of Indo-Pacific Geopolitics
This development comes amid a backdrop of increasing Chinese assertiveness in the Pacific and the US’s efforts to counterbalance these moves. Chinese naval deployments, missile tests, and resource deals with island nations signal an era of strategic competition. Specifically, the Chinese navy's recent activities in the Tasman Sea and missile tests in the Pacific have heightened regional security concerns.