In today's Focus on Politics podcast, Political Editor Jane Patterson looks past the spectacle of Ardern's first official trip since Covid-19 to the geopolitical tensions beneath.

"It is about demonstrating through global action that there will be swift response should that occur in any other region or country." - Jacinda Ardern

Pomp and ceremony, against a backdrop of torrid global events and shifting political allegiances.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has taken her first official trip since the pandemic to New Zealand's fourth- and fifth- biggest trading partners Singapore and Japan.

The trip has featured lavish dinners, dancing kiwifruit, announcements on working holiday visas and climate change, all under the constant threat of Covid-19 - but regional security and its implications have also been high on the agenda.

Listen to the full podcast here

The security pact between China and Solomon Islands - leaked last month and formalised this week - has been met with consternation and alarm by countries like New Zealand, Australia and the US.

A leaked draft suggested it would allow China to deploy military and police forces to the Solomons, and make ship visits, but the final version has not been released and China and Solomon Islands both deny it would open the door to a Chinese military presence in Honiara.

Ardern and Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta have said New Zealand sees no need for such a deal, referring back to the regional relationship and agreements among the neighbouring Pacific nations.

These include the long running RAMSI mission of Australian and New Zealand troops sent to Solomon Islands to curb civil unrest, common membership of the Pacific Islands Forum, and the regional Biketawa Declaration which allows members to respond to breaches of governance, democratic freedoms and indigenous rights.

"In our view the need simply isn't there. If there is an issue which is not being addressed all we'd ask is a dialogue within the Pacific to address that," Ardern said in Singapore after news of the deal broke.

Read more:

Watch: Ardern on NZ's strategic partnership with Japan

NZ, Japan agree to boost security ties

Working with assertive China a must, PM tells BBC

PM celebrates green energy and kiwifruit in Tokyo

China on agenda for Ardern's first meeting with Japan PM

NZ and Singapore to work on safeguarding supply chains

Climate added to NZ-Singapore partnership priorities

Elected in October, Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has taken a hardline stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He and Ardern met for the first time on Thursday, emerging later to announce an agreement to share more classified information. …

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details