中文
By Imran Khalid
New Zealand's Prime Minister Chris Hipkins' highly anticipated visit to Beijing, which strategically coincides with his attendance at the NATO summit in Vilnius in July, is a reflection of the growing closeness between China and New Zealand that is likely to impact the political and economic fabric of the Asia-Pacific region.
Hipkins' decision to prioritize his visit to China just before the NATO summit shows that he is seriously trying to recalibrate his foreign policy trajectory. This visit is a deliberate step on the part of Hipkins to strike a more balanced approach towards Beijing. By engaging with China, New Zealand aims to diversify its global alliances and foster stronger economic ties with the world's second-largest economy.
In the last week of March, New Zealand's Foreign Minister, Nanaia Mahuta, visited China and she had a long string of discussions and meetings with top Chinese officials to find ways to further bilateral ties. Mahuta's visit was a signal that Wellington is very much serious in its intent to bolster bilateral ties with Beijing despite immense pressure from Washington.
By embracing China as a partner, New Zealand asserts its commitment to pursuing a multipolar world order, where cooperation and mutual benefits transcend rigid ideological divisions. In June, Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Wang Shouwen expressed China's readiness to deepen collaboration with New Zealand within the framework of various agreements such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, and the World Trade Organization. This signifies China's eagerness to bolster ties with New Zealand across multiple platforms, emphasizing their commitment to nurturing economic cooperation and advancing shared interests within the international trade arena.
With its predominantly trade-related agenda, Hipkin's well-timed trip holds significant benefits for both countries. For China, it presents an opportunity to solidify economic ties and expand its influence in the Asia-Pacific region, while New Zealand stands to gain from enhanced trade opportunities and the chance to diversify its global partnerships.
The careful orchestration of this visit demonstrates the growing importance of China for New Zealand's policy makers and their recognition of the benefits it brings.
Amidst simmering tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, fueled by Washington's belligerent interference in the region, it is noteworthy that China and New Zealand ratified an enhanced trade deal last year, which is widely regarded as one of China's most robust free-trade arrangements. China places significant value on its cooperative partnership with New Zealand and maintains a steadfast belief in the durability and stability of their bilateral relations. Despite the complexities and challenges of regional dynamics, this development showcases China's commitment to enhancing mutually beneficial economic ties and reaffirms the positive trajectory of China-New Zealand relations.
China has emerged as a vital economic comrade for New Zealand, serving as its largest trading partner. Their trade volume has soared to impressive heights, reaching a staggering $24.7 billion in 2021, a five-fold increase since the signing of their free trade agreement in 2008.
These figures illustrate the deepening economic interdependence between the two nations, underscoring the significance of China as a crucial driver of New Zealand's economic development. Both nations have demonstrated a proactive commitment to strengthening trade and investment collaboration, thereby advancing the China-New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
China has demonstrated its willingness to collaborate with New Zealand in implementing the protocol to upgrade the bilateral free trade agreement with utmost quality. This entails expanding trade cooperation, facilitating two-way investments, and exploring untapped potential for collaboration in areas such as EVs and infrastructure. Such concerted efforts underscore the shared dedication of both countries to fortifying mutually beneficial economic ties and driving innovation in key sectors.
Hipkins also aims to revive and strengthen the trade ties that were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The restoration of Chinese tourism to New Zealand is a key objective in this endeavor.
However, it is anticipated that he will also listen to China's concerns and frustrations regarding New Zealand's potential involvement in AUKUS, the high-level military alliance comprising Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. As China seeks to engage in dialogue, Hipkins can expect to gain deeper insights into China's perspectives and anxieties, providing an opportunity for constructive exchanges that address shared concerns and forge a path towards a more harmonious relationship.
Recognizing the immense potential that China offers, Hipkins is seeking to leverage this visit as a means to expand New Zealand's geopolitical and business influence beyond its traditional Western allies. Such a strategic maneuver demonstrates New Zealand's astuteness in adapting to a rapidly changing global landscape.
Imran Khalid, a special commentator for CGTN, is a freelance columnist on international affairs in Pakistan.
