Nanaia Mahuta's made her first big move as Foreign Affairs Minister.
On behalf of New Zealand, she signed a statement by the Five Eyes countries to condemn China's actions in Hong Kong.
US, Canada, Australia, the UK and New Zealand said China was behind a concerted campaign to silence all critical voices in Hong Kong.
The partners call on China to "live up to its international commitments" and "re-consider their actions".
Robert Patman, international relations professor with Otago University, told Heather du Plessis-Allan this is a progression of New Zealand's position on Hong Kong.Â
He says that New Zealand has already suspended their extradition agreement with Hong Kong earlier this year.Â
Patman says that, in the past, New Zealand has expressed their views in a more nuanced way.
"This may be a signal to China that we're becoming increasingly concerned about their behaviour in Hong Kong."
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