Australia and New Zealand tout Indo-Pacific ties, reject 'coercion'

At summit, neighbors raise China human rights while sidestepping differences

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison poses with New Zealand counterpart Jacinda Ardern before talks in Queenstown, New Zealand, on May 31. © AP

ERIC MEIJER, Contributing writer

May 31, 2021 18:47 JST

SYDNEY -- The prime ministers of Australia and New Zealand on Monday presented a united front against hardball trade diplomacy and for human rights, while promising the Indo-Pacific region more assistance with COVID-19.

"The prime ministers affirmed their strong support for open rules-based trade that is based on market principles," Australia's Scott Morrison and New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern said in a joint statement wrapping up their annual leaders' dialogue.