New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern raises 'grave' concerns with China on human rights issues

New Zealand's prime minister took a tougher stance on China's human rights record Monday by saying it was getting harder to reconcile differences as China's role in the world grows.

While Jacinda Ardern's language remained moderate compared to many other leaders, it still marked a significant shift for a country that relies on China as its largest trading partner.

In her speech to the China Business Summit in Auckland on Monday, Ardern said New Zealand has raised "grave" concerns with China on human rights issues, including the situation of Uyghurs in the Xinjiang region and people who live in Hong Kong.

Ardern in past speeches has often avoided direct criticism of China.

New Zealand has been trying to strike the right tone on China in recent weeks after finding itself on the defensive with its Five Eyes security allies by resisting speaking out in unison with them against China on certain human rights issues.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta caused a diplomatic stir last month when she discussed her reluctance to expand the role of the Five Eyes to include joint positions on human rights.

The alliance among New Zealand, the US, the UK, Australia and Canada has its origins in World War II cooperation.

"The differences between our systems – and the interests and values that shape those systems – are becoming harder to reconcile," Ardern told the audience.

(Image Credit: AP)