Ardern and Morrison present united front on China, warning of ‘those who seek to divide us’

Australian and New Zealand prime ministers talk up closeness of ties as Ardern is forced to defend soft' stance on Beijing

The Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, has warned that there are those far from here that would seek to divide us", during a press conference with his New Zealand counterpart, Jacinda Ardern, that focused on how the two countries handle China.

The leaders emphasised unity in the face of Beijing's increasing regional influence and Morrison said any forces trying to scupper the partnership would not succeed.