New Zealand’s foreign policy, which previously appeared closely aligned with Beijing — with exports to China constituting about 27 percent of its total exports — is undergoing an intriguing transformation.
Analysts regard the substantial foreign policy shift under New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon as the most pivotal change since the 1980s, as Wellington begins to distance itself from China, to counterbalance Beijing’s influence in the Asia-Pacific region.
New Zealand’s balance of power strategy involves joint operations with Australia in the Taiwan Strait.
On Sept. 25, the HMNZS Aotearoa, accompanied by Australia’s HMAS Sydney, navigated the Strait, demonstrating support for the international status of the waterway and contesting China’s exclusive claims. It was the first time New Zealand had undertaken such an action.
More indications of New Zealand’s policy shift are evident in its intensifying collaboration with the US and its allies. New Zealand has re-engaged in the “Five Eyes” intelligence alliance, comprising Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the US.
That increased participation in the security framework might suggest that Wellington aims to counterbalance China’s dominance.
Nonetheless, Luxon’s strategy of bolstering ties with Western partners has faced tough criticism domestically, particularly from former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark, who led the country from 1999 to 2008. She condemned the China strategy for lacking a thorough analysis by Luxon’s administration.
She emphasized the need for public discourse on military and security policy rather than allowing a reorganization influenced only by elected authorities.
Clark’s critique signifies apprehension that the Luxon administration’s foreign policy lacks sufficient transparency and public engagement, particularly regarding relations with China and on defense matters.
She also underscored the significance of public debate of policies that substantially affect New Zealand’s global reputation.
Despite significant criticism, Luxon appears resolute in his position, particularly about China’s influence, which he perceives as crucial to a more forceful strategy for ensuring regional peace and upholding international law, which China has disregarded.
One notable aspect of Luxon’s administration, in contrast to previous governments, is his apparent ambitions to create a legacy that builds upon the efforts of his predecessors to sustain a balance between Western allies and China.
Under Luxon, New Zealand has emphasized its security partnership with Western nations.
In the context of the Taiwan Strait, Luxon is likely to adopt a more assertive stance than his predecessors, particularly to affirm the importance of international law in the region.
The voyage of the HMNZS Aotearoa does not constitute a formal statement of explicit support for Taiwan. Nonetheless, the action affirms Wellington’s dedication to the principles of freedom of navigation, which are similarly significant to Taipei.
The recent foreign policy advances from New Zealand during the Luxon era are intriguing, as they appear to be aimed at countering China’s influence.
M. Syaprin Zahidi is a senior lecturer in the Department of International Relations at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang and a doctoral student at Ghazali Shafie Graduate School of Government at the Universiti Utara Malaysia.
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