Ardern says Pacific can handle own security as China pushes deal

The South Pacific can handle its own security needs, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Thursday as details emerged of China's plans to significantly deepen ties with 10 island nations.

"On anything related to security arrangements, we are very strongly of the view that we have within the Pacific the means and ability to respond to any security challenges that exist, and New Zealand is willing to do that," she said after a meeting with US senators in Washington.