New Zealand and allies allowed ‘vacuum’ to develop in Pacific, former foreign minister says

Comments by Winston Peters come as China hopes 10 Pacific countries will sign wide-ranging security deal

New Zealand and its allies have failed to listen to alarm bells" about China's growing influence, and allowed a vacuum" to develop in the Pacific, New Zealand's former foreign minister Winston Peters has said.

His comments come amid news that China hopes 10 Pacific countries will sign a wide-ranging draft deal covering security, trade and investment. The agreement would dramatically increase China's influence in the region.