Harder to reconcile differences with China: NZ PM Ardern

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.