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Download AudioNational MP Shane Reti says Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta is late for the dance in the Pacific.
The minister is coming under fire over China’s security deal with the Solomon Islands and the current tour of the region by its foreign minister Wang Yi.
The issue is likely to be a discussion point during Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s meeting with United States President Joe Biden today.
Dr Reti says Trade Minister Damien O’Connor has done twice the travelling as Ms Mahuta.
“It’s hard to understand why that is. particularly if we look at our counterparts in Australia who after a recent election has suddenly sprung into life and are frantically visiting our Pacific neighbours, We just don’t see any urgency on our part and it looks like we are late to this dance,” he says.
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