Introduction
New Zealand is a small nation with a long democracy and open political process history. Thus there is significant potential for widespread influence over foreign policy and also for decision-makers to work to serve the interests of the populace. Numerous New Zealanders also have ties to countries like China, either as immigrants or as former ex-pats, making them innately interested in world politics. Most New Zealanders work in their respective nations to strengthen their government foreign policy in New Zealand. (Headley & Reitzig, 2012). New Zealand’s foreign policy on China has been engaged and incorporated since 2000. The policy has been reflected in the deepening of bilateral relations, including high-level visits, economic cooperation and trade, and people-to-people exchanges. The New Zealand government sees China as an increasingly important partner in Asia and values the bilateral relationship.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition in New Zealand of China’s importance in the global economy and its role in addressing global challenges. There are several areas where New Zealand and China cooperate as part of foreign relations, including trade, investment, education, tourism, agriculture, science and technology, and the environment. New Zealand signed the first free trade deal with China in 2008, further proving the “reset” in relations (Fiedler et al., 2021). The Free Trade Deal of 2008 and the completion of a Strategic General Partnership in 2014 have improved bilateral relations. The two countries are currently working together on a range of regional and worldwide issues, including change in climate, counterterrorism, and reforms of the United Nations.
Foreign relations between New Zealand and China will continue to be necessary. As China’s economy grows and its global influence increases, New Zealand will need to navigate its interests to maintain a constructive and cooperative relationship with its essential partner. A robust strategic alignment has been developed between China and New Zealand. Robust democratic ties provide a foundation for expanding commercial and economic ties, fruitful interpersonal interactions, and collaboration with China in regional fora (Larkindale, 2015). The approach taken by New Zealand toward China seems to have been steady and nonpartisan. This article will explore the New Zealand Foreign Policy toward China Since 2000 and prove whether it is punitive to both nations and which areas were strengthened and improved due to the policy. The paper starts by explaining the parameters involved in the policy, followed by the factors influencing it, and lastly, the strengths and weaknesses of the policy.
Parameters Involved in the New Zealand Foreign Policy with China Since 2000
The parameters involved in the New Zealand foreign policy with China since 2000 include changing global and regional strategic environment, the economic interests of New Zealand in China, the growth and development of China’s economic as well as military power, and the evolving nature of the China-New Zealand relationship. Since 2000, the global and regional strategic environment has undergone profound changes. For instance, by signing the free trade deal, New Zealand continues to increase free trade platforms with China and other neighboring nations. In addition, New Zealand-China Strategic Alliance, which the two nations signed, has a variety of objectives and responsibilities, such as enhancing collaboration and exchanges, fostering and safeguarding human rights, and cooperating constructively in the Pacific region (Iati & Patman, 2018). The September 11th attacks on the United States and the subsequent “global war on terror” have shifted focus away from the rest of the Asian region. Similarly, China has evolved as a robust economic power, posing opportunities and challenges for New Zealand.
The economic interests of New Zealand in China have grown significantly in recent years. Presently, the second-largest trading partner of New Zealand is China. A variety of items from New Zealand are sent to China, including dairy products, meat, fish, wine, and timber products. China’s share of global trade has increased thrice, from 5.3 percent in 2001 to 16.1 percent in 2015, the most significant increase among the important trading partners (Gonuguntla, 2017). The 2008 trade liberalization agreement (FTA) between the two nations is attributable to the increase. China also forms an important market for New Zealand tourism. The growth of China’s economic and military power has led to increased scrutiny of China’s motives and actions by the international community. China’s economic policies and assertiveness are particularly criticized in the Southeast China Sea. New Zealand responded to the concerns by asking for an amicable method to solve the disputes and working to ensure that China’s economic rise benefits all countries in the region.
The Free Trade Accord (FTA) negotiation involving China and New Zealand in 2008 highlighted the dynamic behavior of the two nations’ relations. The FTA has helped to deepen economic ties between China and New Zealand and has also opened up new opportunities for cooperation in areas such as education and science (Iati & Patman, 2018). The parameters of New Zealand Foreign policy towards China since 2000 are marked significantly. There have been increased economic ties, especially in trade between China and New Zealand. The ties have resulted in a growing economic interdependence between the two foreign countries. New Zealand’s foreign policy on China aided in the recognition of one China policy that made New Zealand change its view on China.
Economic Factors Influencing New Zealand Foreign Policy towards China Since 2000
In recent years, New Zealand’s foreign policy towards China has been shaped by several economic factors. Economic factors include the country’s increasing trade dependence on China, its need for Chinese investment, and the potential for Chinese tourists to boost the New Zealand economy. New Zealand’s trade with China has grown rapidly in recent years. From 2000 to date, China has remained New Zealand’s seventh-largest trading partner. The increase in trade has been driven by several factors, including the growth of the Chinese economy and the expansion of the China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) (Fiedler et al., 2021). As China’s economy has grown, so has its demand for New Zealand products. The economic growth has been particularly evident in the agricultural sector, with China becoming New Zealand’s largest dairy, meat, and forestry market. The growth of the Chinese middle class has also created new opportunities for New Zealand companies, with demand increasing for premium products such as wine and seafood.
The economic relationship between China and New Zealand has grown rapidly since 2000, with two-way trade increasing from $4.3 billion in 2000 to $32.2 billion in 2016. New Zealand has become increasingly reliant on the Chinese market for its exports. The economic dependence has given China considerable influence over New Zealand. It has led the New Zealand government to be cautious in its approach to issues such as human rights and the South China Sea. The expansion of the China-New Zealand FTA has also been a key driver of trade growth (Fiedler et al., 2021). The FTA, which came into force in 2008, has lowered tariffs and other barriers to trade between the two countries. The trade deal has also opened up the Chinese market to New Zealand companies, allowing them to compete on a level playing field with their international counterparts. As well as increasing its trade with China, New Zealand has increasingly relied on Chinese investment.
China has been the largest source of foreign investment in New Zealand, recording a significant increase in Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) from 2000. Chinese investment has been particularly important for the New Zealand economy in recent years, as the country has struggled to attract investment from other sources. The situation is due to several factors, including the global financial crisis and the high cost of doing business in New Zealand (Ge et al., 2017). Chinese investment has helped offset the factors and has contributed to the country’s economic growth. New Zealand has been seeking to attract Chinese investment to help boost its economy. New Zealand has been receptive to Chinese investment in sensitive sectors such as agriculture and infrastructure, which has led to criticism from some that New Zealand is selling off its assets to China and has raised concerns about New Zealand’s sovereignty.
In addition to trade and investment, tourism is another area where China has significantly impacted the New Zealand economy. Chinese tourists spend much finances in New Zealand, making them the second-largest group of international visitors after Australians. The action denotes a significant increase from 2000 Chinese visitors to New Zealand (Sun et al., 2015). The growth in Chinese tourism has been driven by several factors, including the relaxation of visa requirements, the growth of the Chinese middle class, and the increasing popularity of New Zealand as a destination. Chinese tourists are attracted to New Zealand for its natural beauty, clean and green image, and reputation for safety.
Typically, the economic factors outlined above have significantly impacted New Zealand’s foreign policy towards China. In particular, they have led to a strengthening of the bilateral relationship between the two countries, which has been reflected in several initiatives, including the signing of the China-New Zealand FTA, the establishment of the New Zealand-China Strategic Dialogue, and the launch of the joint-venture investment fund, the New Zealand China Investment Fund (Iati & Patman,2018). The economic factors will likely continue to shape New Zealand’s foreign policy towards China in the coming years. As China’s economy continues to grow and as its middle class expands, there will be increasing opportunities for New Zealand companies. In addition, as Chinese investment in New Zealand continues to grow, the country will likely become increasingly reliant on Chinese capital.
Political Factors Influencing New Zealand Foreign Policy towards China Since 2000
Several political factors have increasingly influenced New Zealand’s foreign policy towards China. The factors include the increasing economic importance of China to New Zealand, the rise of China as a global power, and changing perceptions of China amongst the New Zealand public and political elite. The economic importance of China to New Zealand has grown significantly in recent years. China has become New Zealand’s largest trading partner since 2000, and this increase in trade has been driven by several factors, including the growth of the Chinese economy and the signing of a free trade agreement between China and New Zealand in 2008 (Iati & Patman,2018). The rise of China as a global power has also significantly impacted New Zealand’s foreign policy toward China. As China has become more economically and militarily powerful, it has begun to assert its influence in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. The global rise has led to tensions with several countries, including the United States, Japan, and India. In response, New Zealand has sought to maintain good relations with China and the United States while supporting the rules-based international order.
One of the most important political factors has been the changing international environment. Since the end of the Cold War, the world has seen a dramatic increase in the number of countries with democratic governments, leading to a corresponding increase in the number of countries with friendly relations with New Zealand (Iati & Patman,2018). As a result, New Zealand has developed closer relations with several countries, including China. Another important political factor has been the increasing assertiveness of China in the international arena. In recent years, China has become more vocal in its criticism of Western policies and has sought to promote its interests in several areas, which have led to some tension between China and the West and have made New Zealand’s relations with China increasingly important. The changing perceptions of China amongst the New Zealand public and political elite have also shaped New Zealand’s foreign policy towards China (Headley & Reitzig, 2012). In the early 2000s, there was a widespread view amongst the New Zealand public that China was a potential threat to New Zealand’s security and way of life.
However, the view has changed significantly recently, with many New Zealanders now seeing China as an important economic partner. The change in public opinion has been reflected in the policies of the New Zealand government, which has become increasingly supportive of China’s rise. The political factors influencing New Zealand Foreign Policy toward China since 2000 can be divided into three main categories: economic, security, and values. The economic factor is the most important one that shows why China is now New Zealand’s second-largest trading partner, behind Australia. New Zealand depicts the security factor as a member of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing partnership, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia (O’Neil, 2017). The partnership is based on a shared commitment to democracy and the rule of law, and New Zealand’s membership gives it access to a large amount of intelligence about China. The values factor giving New Zealand a long-standing commitment to human rights and not override its economic and security interests in China
Strengths of New Zealand Foreign Policy towards China Since 2000
Several strengths have marked New Zealand’s foreign policy towards China since 2000. First, the policy has maintained a constructive and comprehensive relationship with China while also upholding New Zealand’s commitment to the rules-based international system. New Zealand has been one of the few Western countries to maintain cordial relations with China throughout Chinese economic reform and opening up (Iati & Patman, 2018). The relations have been achieved despite both countries’ significant political and economic changes. Secondly, the policy has been pragmatic and has avoided taking sides in the major power rivalry between the United States and China. New Zealand has been relatively successful in balancing its relations with China and the United States which has been a difficult task with other nations given the vast disparity in the size and power of these two countries (Ayson, 2016). Thirdly, the policy has taken advantage of the economic opportunities offered by China’s rapid economic growth while also addressing the challenges posed by the growth. Fourth, the policy has effectively engaged with the Chinese diaspora in New Zealand and harnessed their skills and knowledge to benefit the bilateral relationship.
Weaknesses of New Zealand Foreign Policy towards China Since 2000
There have been several weaknesses in New Zealand’s foreign policy towards China since 2000. First, the policy has been criticized for being too soft and not taking a hardline stance on human rights issues. New Zealand has been too focused on engaging China on economic issues rather than political and human rights issues (Köllner, 2021). New Zealand became too reluctant to criticize China for human rights abuses and its lack of democracy. Secondly, New Zealand has been too reluctant to take a stand on issues such as the South China Sea disputes and has been too hesitant to criticize China’s economic policies (Ayson, 2016). New Zealand has been too reliant on the United States to provide leadership on China policy rather than developing its independent policy. Thirdly, New Zealand’s trade policy towards China has been too focused on protecting its industries rather than promoting free trade, which has led to several trade disputes between the two nations and has made New Zealand appear protectionist. Fourth, New Zealand’s approach to China has been too negative and has not recognized the positive aspects of China’s rise, damaging its relations with China.
Conclusion
The New Zealand Foreign Policy on China Since 2000 aimed at increasing bilateral relations and promoting economic and political ties among the involved nations. The policy has yielded both positive and negative impacts on the occupied countries. Some parameters that mark the policy are the economic interests held by both countries and the nature of the developing relationship between China and New Zealand. The policy was also majorly influenced by pertinent political and economic factors. The economic factors include the need for Chinese investment and tourism engagement to reinforce New Zealand’s economy. On the other hand, the security factor in various aspects of the everchanging international environment forms among the key political factors influencing policy implementation. The policy greatly enhanced the relationships between New Zealand and China but failed to give attention to human rights aspects. In addition, the policy, especially on trade deals, seemed to make New Zealand a protectionist at the expense of China. The policy is, therefore, punitive to China but positive in developing economic relations in both nations.
References
Ayson, R. (2016). The South China Sea and New Zealand’s foreign policy balancing act. In Power Politics in Asia’s Contested Waters (pp. 493–505). Springer, Cham.
Fiedler, A., Fath, B., & Whittaker, D. H. (2021). The dominant narrative of the New Zealand–China free trade agreement: Peripheral evidence, presumptive tilt, and business realities. New Political Economy, 26(3), 328–343.
Ge, G. L., Stringer, C., & Ding, D. Z. (2017). Chinese FDI in New Zealand: What are Chinese investors looking for? Thunderbird International Business Review, 59(3), 385-399.
Gonuguntla, S. (2017). Evaluation of New Zealand’s Trade and Direct Investment Intensities with Major Trading Partners. Asian Business Research, 2(2), 45.
Headley, J., & Reitzig, A. (2012). Does foreign policy represent the views of the public? Assessing public and elite opinion on New Zealand’s foreign policy. Australian Journal of International Affairs, 66(1), 70-89.
Iati, I., & Patman, R. G. (2018). New Zealand and the world: past, present, and future. New Zealand and the World: Past, Present, and Future (pp. xxv-xlvii).
Köllner, P. (2021). Australia and New Zealand recalibrate their China policies: convergence and divergence. The Pacific Review, 34(3), 405–436.
Larkindale, J. (2015). New Zealand’s China policy: Building a comprehensive strategic partnership. Wellington: New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre (Victoria University).
O’Neil, A. (2017). Australia and the ‘Five Eyes’ intelligence network: the perils of an asymmetric alliance. Australian Journal of International Affairs, 71(5), 529–543.
Sun, M., Ryan, C., & Pan, S. (2015). Using Chinese travel blogs to examine perceived destination image: The case of New Zealand. Journal of travel research, 54(4), 543-555.
write