Big developments in Beijing

Written By: - Date published: 4:44 pm, February 7th, 2022 - 31 comments
Categories: China, Iran, kremlinology, leadership, Peace, political alternatives, Russia, United Nations - Tags:

The meeting between Putin and Xi Jinping is likely to set the geopolitical direction for the 21st century. If ‘divide and rule’ was the mantra for the US’s hegemonic rule in the 20th century, ‘unite and share’ looks like setting the tone for the 21st. Co-operation rather than competition is the mantra, and “friendship between the two states has no limits.” A truly remarkable turnaround.

Some are dismissing the statement of the two leaders as boilerplate virtue-signalling. That in my view is a mistake. The statement is accompanied by a work programme and other initiatives, and as recent history shows both countries place an emphasis on delivery. Andrei Graevsky provides a useful breakdown of the significance of the various section of the statement here.

In an article in the Observer titled ‘Biden rattles his saber at Putin…but its Xi he really wants to scare” Simon Tisdall begins by saying:

If, as seems probable, Russia decides not to launch an all-out invasion of Ukraine, tub-thumping US and British politicians who have spent weeks scaring the public with loose talk of looming Armageddon will have some explaining to do.

The military build-up directed by Vladimir Putin, Russia’s president, is real enough. But suspicion grows that the actual as opposed to the hypothetical threat of a large-scale conventional attack is being mis-read, misinterpreted, over-estimated or deliberately exaggerated.

It wouldn’t be the first time.

How true that is. I well remember General Colin Powell’s display at the UN about Saddam Hussein’s supposed weapons of mass destruction. But the money quote in Tisdall’s article is this:

The birth of this Sino-Russian axis, conceived in opposition to the US-led western democracies, is the most globally significant strategic development since the Soviet Union collapsed 30 years ago. It will define the coming age.

We hear very little in our media, dependent as it is on the Anglosphere, about the Shanghai Co-Operation Organisation, which has now admitted Iran to full membership, and  the Eurasian Economic Union,  who link the Eurasian landmass with road, rail and pipeline. They will not be easily contained by the 19th century maritime colonising powers US and UK, no matter how much these tell us they are ‘back’ or ‘global.’

This strategic link-up between China and Russia at the poles of Eurasia with the associated rapidly developing real and political networks is something we should be paying close attention to, and not just listening to the Western voices. For a start, it would do us well to pay attention f=to former Indian diplomat V,. K. Bhadrakumar, who writes at “Indian Punchline.” He notes that the Russian/China friendship does not fit the traditional definition of an alliance:

the Russian-Chinese partnership does not fit into the definition (of an alliance.) For a start, It is not about wartime contingencies. Rather, it is built on commonality of interests dating back to the early years of the post-cold war era and is far from a time-serving alliance of limited objectives. It is built on the principles of equality, mutual respect and on the complementarity between their political economies. Unsurprisingly, an exceptional “closeness” developed in course of time between the two countries.

 

 

31 comments on “Big developments in Beijing ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. francesca 1
    7 February 2022 at 5:42 pm

    Interesting that even Simon Tisdall is starting to get real .The US crying wolf one too many times is wearing thin

    No matter how many times Peng Shuai says she was not sexually assaulted, she was not "disappeared" and that she deleted her original post herself, western tennis officials and media can not give up on their sensationalised allegations

    https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/2022/02/tennis-china-s-peng-shuai-makes-gives-first-foreign-media-interview-after-2021-disappearance-backtracks-on-sexual-assault-allegations.html

    That link itself is also slanted but there are plenty of others since Shuai's interview with French outlet Equipe

    • Andrew Miller 1.1
      8 February 2022 at 11:40 pm

      Awwww bless.

      Yes, of course she just withdrew it herself, what possible reason could we have to think the CCP may have coerced her?
      .

  2. Dennis Frank 2
    7 February 2022 at 7:25 pm

    Classic triangulation – against USA primarily.

    For those eager to see cracks in the China-Russia bonhomie, Xi had a message: “China and Russia have stayed committed to deepening strategic coordination of mutual support… The two countries have never and will never waver in this choice.”

    Likewise, Putin proclaimed that “Russia sees in China the most important strategic partner and a like-minded friend, and hails the Russia-China relationship as an example for international relations in the 21st century.”

    The joint statement issued after their meeting made clear what China and Russia have in common. Both see a world moving “towards redistribution of power,” where “the international community is showing a growing demand for the leadership aiming at peaceful and gradual development.” China and Russia intend to fill that demand by providing alternative global leadership for any countries unhappy with the status quo.

    As U.S. President Joe Biden has made defending democracy a watchword of his administration, China and Russia have responded by attempting to claim the mantle of global democratic leadership. In his meeting with Putin, Xi even congratulated both China and Russia for having “safeguarded the true spirit of democracy.”

    The joint statement goes much further. Its first point is a lengthy (re)definition of democracy, culminating in the claim that “Russia and China as world powers with rich cultural and historical heritage have long-standing traditions of democracy, which rely on thousand-years [sic] of experience of development, broad popular support and consideration of the needs and interests of citizens.”

    https://thediplomat.com/2022/02/what-putin-and-xi-said-and-didnt-say-about-ukraine/

    If I were Biden's political advisor, I'd advise him to issue a media release citing that last paragraph of the joint statement, then appending this US response: laugh (Lol).

  3. Stuart Munro 3
    7 February 2022 at 8:58 pm

    Russia seems inclined to put the Ukraine invasion on hold – at least until Nordstream comes on line. But neither country has much patience for relationships where they are not the controlling partner. Shirvan has a discussion of some of the issues Unpacking the China-Russia alliance – YouTube but neither country likes to bend the knee. Both are exploiting a xenophobic nationalism for domestic consumption. I wouldn't bet the farm on the alliance proving very robust.

    • Blazer 3.1
      7 February 2022 at 9:03 pm

      Interested to know how Russia put the invasion of Ukraine on 'hold'.

      Putin and Lavrov have stated on a number of occasions they do not intend to…invade.

      • Stuart Munro 3.1.1
        7 February 2022 at 9:12 pm

        One shouldn't repose much confidence in Putin's statements – he said he wasn't going to invade in 2014 either.

        His real object is perhaps discernable here: to the extent that he believes the lines that have gone out under his name, it is not acceptable to him that Ukraine remain separate, no matter what democratic processes may have resolved without him.

        • Blazer 3.1.1.1
          7 February 2022 at 9:19 pm

          I thought he was worried about Ukraine joining Nato,and just wanted the Minsk Agreement and the guarantees of 1997 followed.

          As Ukraine is on the border of Russia,the West tooling' up Ukraine seems a legitimate concern.

          Do you think the U.S revelation that Russia was engineering a false flag incident in Ukraine has any credibility?

          I note there are alot of miles between the U.S and Ukraine.

          Also since the end of the Afghanistan moneymaker for U.S defence contactors …profits are on..a slide.

          • Stuart Munro 3.1.1.1.1
            7 February 2022 at 9:36 pm

            For a long time Russia depended extensively on dirty tricks, having less in the way of force of arms and materiale to achieve their aims. We see signs of this continuing with cyber attacks, and it would not be out of character for them to create a false flag pretext. But the US is no stranger to such tricks either.

            It is less the tricks than the preparations for invasion, and the rhetoric for internal consumption, that spell out Russia's intent. NATO however had no particular plans to expand eastward. The fall of Ukraine, and subsequently Poland, however, would oblige them to keep standing armies of Cold War proportions – an expense they would rather avoid.

            No doubt the military industrial complex will find a way to profit – but the instigator of current tension is certainly Russia – Germany has had to be dragged to hold up its NATO commitments – it was looking forward to cheap gas.

            • Blazer 3.1.1.1.1.1
              7 February 2022 at 9:41 pm

              As Ukraine is not a member of NATO and european nations signed the Minsk Agreement,what are those commitments ..exactly?

              • Stuart Munro …
                7 February 2022 at 9:53 pm

                I could not say – but they no doubt amounted to more than contributing a few helmets. It is Russia that has broken the Minsk agreement, by renewing hostilities, for the cessation of which they received the Ukrainian nukes in good faith.

                • Blazer …
                  7 February 2022 at 9:58 pm

                  What are these hostilities?

                  Seem like allegations.

                  Russia can parade its military within its borders every day of the week ,if it wants to…surely.

                  • Stuart Munro …
                    7 February 2022 at 10:50 pm

                    Oh it's doing a little more than that – and the insurgency it has sponsored in the eastern Ukraine continues to produce casualties.

                    It has assembled a force sufficient to overwhelm its peaceful neighbour, conducted cyber attacks and a disinformation campaign about NATO creep. We could perhaps think about Russian rights had they not invaded in 2014, after sending in the insurgents.

                    Ukraine was probably Russia's test of the new president, who, in the wake of the withdrawal from Afghanistan, looked relatively weak. In the event however, he was able to rapidly find a consensus with traditional European allies, none of whom want a recrudescence of the Iron Curtain. Russia's gains under Trump proved not to be enduring – he couldn't do soft power to save himself, which is no doubt why he readily made common cause with Kim Jong Eun and Putin,

                    • Blazer …
                      8 February 2022 at 8:50 am

                      There is alot more to it than that.

                      Sure Russia annexed Crimea,to ensure Black Sea access for its navy.Ukraine renegged on their agreement.

                      Ukraine also had nuclear capability.

                      Not surprisingly Russia regarded that as a threat,just as the U.S would not accept the same near its borders.

                      With Nato having 30 members and Russia's Western front encircled it is not surprising that military initiatives are live concerning her national security.

                      My guess is Russia if it wanted to,could take out Ukraine quite easily.

                      A diplomatic solution needs to be found,U.S threats are not helpful.

                  • Stuart Munro …
                    8 February 2022 at 11:59 am

                    A diplomatic solution needs to be found,U.S threats are not helpful.

                    In the absence of US and NATO threats, Putin would by now have butchered Ukrainian civilians just as he did Chechen, Georgian, and most recently Kazakstanis.

                    You might want to consider whether the expansion of a criminal autocracy that has no rule of law is likely to be in any way better than US adventurism. Talk to some Polish people – they know what Russia is, and why even the US is infinitely better.

                    Russia has modernized its army at considerable expense for their marginal economy. They mean to use it – and if not deterred will recover all their European and Central Asia occupied territories. Without the figleaf of a new liberating system of governance, which is what Stalinist Communism pretended to be, Russian invasions are no more legitimate than Hitler's. Putin has even built a Hitler youth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAaoEFHlLqk, trying to paint Ukraine, which bore the brunt of WWII German aggression, as fascists. There is no lie too dirty for Putin.

                    • Blazer …
                      8 February 2022 at 1:20 pm

                      ' they know what Russia is, and why even the US is infinitely better.'-Talk to some Iraqi people,they may have a different viewpoint,along with dozens of other countries who have had the misfortune to deal with U.S hegemony.

                  • Stuart Munro …
                    8 February 2022 at 1:45 pm

                    Quite.

                    But it is not the US invading this time, but Russia.

                    The Russian history of invasion is, if anything, worse. The Russian invasion halved the population of Chechnya – and illegal and immoral as the US invasion of Iraq was, they didn't go quite that far.

      • Andrew Miller 3.1.2
        9 February 2022 at 10:12 am

        We’ll, that settles it then. Putin has proved time and time again he’s a man who’s word we can trust and it’s obvious he only wants to see agreements stuck to….

        Good grief!

        • Blazer 3.1.2.1
          9 February 2022 at 12:37 pm

          So you think the U.S cares less about the people in eastern europe!

          Good grief alright….a million died in Iraq='sorry,our intelligence …failed ..us'!

  4. pat 4
    7 February 2022 at 9:06 pm

    Its built on the (years ago stated) desire to replace US dollar hegemony

  5. adam 5
    7 February 2022 at 9:42 pm

    Watch Russia get back on it's feet by selling it's resources to China. And watch Europe freeze, without Russian natural gas it's all going to turn to shit next winter for the average European. Gas prices are completely crazy this year, next year are going to be much worse.

    Putin does not have to invade, he just needs to turn the tap off, and China have just made that possible.

    • Blazer 5.1
      7 February 2022 at 9:49 pm

      Agreed.

      The sun is setting on the U.S empire.

      I think it is a good thing for the world.

      People are much the same,we can still respect them ,even if they don't speak ..English.

      • Blade 5.1.1
        7 February 2022 at 11:00 pm

        ''The sun is setting on the U.S empire. I think it is a good thing for the world.''

        Who do you think will become the world's next sheriff?

        And how can that be good for NZ?

        • Blazer 5.1.1.1
          8 February 2022 at 8:52 am

          Who needs a self appointed Sheriff?

          The U.N is meant to be the forum to resolve international disputes.

  6. Ad 6
    8 February 2022 at 8:49 am

    The media could hardly be accused of not commenting on Russia and energy (via Ukraine), and China and energy (via blackouts for weeks last year).

    Since 2015 Russia has grown to be China's second-largest supplier of crude oil to China and the third-largest provider of natural gas (pipeline and liquefied natural gas combined). Russian companies are also currently increasing their supplies of high-quality coal to China: XI is simply warding off another electricity shock before his 2022 crowning.

    China and Russia have so totally screwed their relationship with their key Europe and North American markets that they can only operate within a rapidly diminishing sphere. It's threats by Russia and China that are causing the west to react with massive sanctions.

    Forget all your bile about the US or "signalling" and concentrate on the politics of energy.

    • Blazer 6.1
      8 February 2022 at 8:56 am

      Patent nonsense.

      Nordstream 2 is a multi billion dollar project,wanted and supported by Europe.

      Russia wants good relations with Europe as they supply 40% of their energy requirements.It makes good commercial sense.

      Arbitrary sanctions and threats are not conducive to peaceful co existence.

      • Ad 6.1.1
        8 February 2022 at 11:59 am

        The sanctions proposed are not arbitrary and the threat from Russia right now is real and has been so since 2014.

        • Blazer 6.1.1.1
          8 February 2022 at 1:28 pm

          Might be real…just not this…real!

          By Pam Martens and Russ Martens: February 7, 2022 ~

          Winston Churchill once described Russia as “a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.” The same could be said of Bloomberg LP, parent of Bloomberg News, which last Friday ran the false headline “Russia Invades Ukraine.” For still unexplained reasons, the headline was left up for at least 24 minutes on the digital front page of Bloomberg News.

          • Ad 6.1.1.1.1
            8 February 2022 at 2:20 pm

            Some things actually happen in reality.

            The US could, as the post suggests, simply follow China's lead and form a compact of purely mercantile survival and:

            – concede that Russia should have been able to militarily annex Crimea all along in 2014 without consequences

            – concede Russia should simply conquer the eastern quarter of the Ukraine as it continues to do with arms and finance since 2014, and

            – concede that the US simply can't adequately translate its economic heft into diplomatic effect that stops war

            – concede that total European reliance on Russian gas rather than any energy alternative is inevitable

            The Russia-China agreement is also tacit approval for China to continue aggressive moves against Taiwan, Hong Kong, Tibet, Cambodia, North Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, and Vietnam.

  7. Sanctuary 7
    8 February 2022 at 12:06 pm

    The only reason Putin hasn't attacked the Ukraine is his generals are unsure of success in the face of generalised resistance from a re-invigorated Ukrainian army and civilian militia. A battlefield defeat or an attritional stalemate would be a strategic disaster for Russia. Heavy street fighting in Kharkov (for example) would tie up tens of thousands of Russian troops and result in heavy casualties amongst both military and civilian populations. He has to decide soon. Looking at the weather forcasts for Kiev online the spring thaw is beginning early (climate change).

  8. georgecom 8
    8 February 2022 at 8:45 pm

    whilst the Russia-Ukraine issue has a number of faces and angles, one worth making is as follows. When Cuba acquired nuclear missiles the US had a heart attack, a huge tantrum and an existential moment. Soviet missiles 100 miles off their coast didn't sit well. Now 60 years on Russia is a bit nervous about Nato troops and armaments on their border. I think there are parallels. If the US had concerns 60 years back, I think it is reasonable for the Russians to have concerns now.

    • aj 8.1
      8 February 2022 at 10:31 pm

      A quid pro quo

      Khrushchev’s memoirs suggest he would remove his missiles from Cuba in exchange for the removal of US missiles with nuclear warheads in Turkey. The Soviets accepted the terms of the agreement after Kennedy agreed to remove missile bases in Turkey.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    10 hours ago

  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    10 hours ago

  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    10 hours ago

  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago

  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago

  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing  At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin    Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho    Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.    I am delighted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
    The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions.   “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says.    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
    Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale.  “It is good ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
    The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Trade relationship with China remains strong
    “China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.   Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-30T14:53:17+00:00