New Zealand's National Interest and Its Policy Regarding China: The Politics, Security, Culture and Economy

Abstract

The concept of national interest is important in the dimensions of both political theory and reality. To all governments, national interest is the ultimate objective undertaken as an obligation as they pursue, maintain, and attempt to maximize it by the use of the powers granted to them by their people. However, reality shows that the concept is often distorted by political actors or misused by state officials as a rhetorical device to serve their own interests rather than to speak for the common good. Therefore, a clarified and objective concept of national interest is essential for New Zealand’s authorities to guide better policy for their nation — and more importantly, to make the right decisions for their people. This thesis aims to explore New Zealand’s national interests in the contemporary era. It will focus particularly on China’s role in and influence on New Zealand’s national interests. China’s deepening involvement in world affairs challenges the current global power balance and will, subsequently, reconstruct it. As a consequence, all nations will be affected directly or indirectly by this profound change. New Zealand, as a small state, will inevitably be impacted more profoundly than larger ones will. This makes it a priority for New Zealand policy-makers to contemplate the best ways to adjust their policies to best accommodate New Zealand to the trajectory of China’s rise. The task will not be an easy one, as after all, more differences than commonalities exist between New Zealand and China. This thesis investigates how New Zealand’s national interests are affected by China’s growing power in the realms of politics, security, culture, and economy. In each aspect, this thesis outlines the policies and attitudes New Zealand political parties have adopted towards China. It also discusses the common interests and barriers between the two countries in the current era.