New Zealand PM Disagrees with Biden, Disputes Xi Jinping’s Dictator Label
Ahead of his upcoming official trip to China later this month, New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins expressed his disagreement with U.S. President Joe Biden’s characterization of Chinese leader Xi Jinping as a dictator. In a statement to reporters on Thursday, Hipkins emphasized that the type of government China adopts is ultimately a matter for the Chinese people to decide.
When asked about the extent of the Chinese people’s influence over their country’s governance, Hipkins acknowledged their potential agency by stating that if they desired a change in the system of government, it would be up to them to pursue it.
Prime Minister Hipkins is slated to visit China from June 25 to 30, leading a trade delegation consisting of some of New Zealand’s largest corporations. During his visit, he is scheduled to hold meetings with key Chinese officials, including President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Zhao Leji, the chairman of the standing committee of the National People’s Congress.
Following President Biden’s reference to President Xi Jinping as a “dictator,” China swiftly responded on Wednesday, deeming the remarks absurd and provocative. This exchange marks an unexpected escalation in tensions between the two nations, despite previous efforts to alleviate friction.
The contrasting views expressed by Prime Minister Hipkins and President Biden highlight the divergent perspectives among international leaders when it comes to characterizing the Chinese leadership. While Biden’s remark implies a critical stance, Hipkins takes a more diplomatic approach, emphasizing the importance of respecting China’s sovereignty and the right of its citizens to determine their own governance.
As Prime Minister Hipkins embarks on his visit to China, the trip carries significant economic implications, as he leads a trade delegation comprising major New Zealand companies. The discussions and interactions during this visit will play a crucial role in strengthening bilateral ties and fostering mutually beneficial trade relationships.
It remains to be seen how this difference in opinion regarding President Xi Jinping’s leadership will impact the diplomatic exchanges between New Zealand and the United States, as well as their respective relationships with China. The international community continues to navigate a complex and evolving geopolitical landscape, where balancing political interests and economic cooperation poses ongoing challenges.
In conclusion, New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has expressed his disagreement with U.S. President Joe Biden’s characterization of Chinese leader Xi Jinping as a dictator. Prime Minister Hipkins emphasizes that the type of government China adopts is a matter for the Chinese people to decide. As he prepares for his visit to China, the discussions and engagements during this trip will play a significant role in shaping bilateral relations and trade partnerships. The differing viewpoints regarding President Xi Jinping’s leadership highlight the complexities of international diplomacy and the need for nuanced approaches when addressing geopolitical dynamics.