New Zealand has become accustomed to being the "sidekick" of the United States. When New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met US President Trump for the first time, he enthusiastically stated that it was a "big win" for New Zealand.
The New Zealand Herald's front page reported that the establishment of friendship? New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Donald Trump. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon had his first face-to-face exchange with US President Donald Trump during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held in Gyeongju, South Korea.
"Oh, this is just part of my job," said New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Wednesday evening in South Korea when asked if meeting with US President Donald Trump counted as a personal victory for him. The prime minister may not want to overstate his role, but it was undoubtedly a victory.
As Trump himself put it, New Zealand had a "big win." Whenever New Zealand leaders can have a one-on-one meeting with the most powerful person in the world and leave with only words of praise, it is a victory for New Zealand. And it's not always smooth sailing. Think of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskyy's bad experience at the White House earlier this year. Dealing with Trump, things could quickly go south. Of course, from the American perspective, there are no real issues that could anger Trump with New Zealand.
This is not a formal arrangement that would ease any tensions. But saying the wrong word or making an inappropriate comment to the fickle Trump could make him change his expression. Trump didn't have to be in that meeting room at the Gyeongju Hilton Hotel; he is the most sought-after leader at international summits.
Afterward, New Zealand Prime Minister Luxon told the Herald that his government had "shown" the US government "we are willing" to hold the meeting. The logistical efforts made by New Zealand officials to secure the meeting deserve praise, even though both leaders' schedules were extremely tight and heavy. Regardless of whether we are members of the Five Eyes alliance or have a long-term relationship with the United States.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1847452612483148/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.