Summarised by Centrist
Several recent developments have brought into focus the growing tension between New Zealand’s economic relationship with China and its emerging security alignment in the Pacific.
Wellington councillor Ray Chung reportedly told an NZSIS briefing that Chinese Embassy representatives questioned him after he attended a Shen Yun performance associated with the Falun Gong movement, which is banned in China.
The alleged approach was disclosed during a briefing prompted by NZSIS findings that local government is being targeted by “sophisticated foreign interference actors”.
NZSIS has identified China as the “most active” state conducting foreign interference in New Zealand, although the Chinese Embassy rejects the allegation.
At the national level, Chinese Ambassador Wang Xiaolong warned New Zealand after it joined a statement marking the tenth anniversary of an international tribunal ruling against China’s expansive South China Sea claims.
Wang said New Zealand should “cease immediately violating China’s interests” and warned that “no one should underestimate our resolve and capability” to defend them.
China remains New Zealand’s largest export market, giving the remarks an economic dimension even though Wang said Beijing did not intend to hurt New Zealand’s interests.
Meanwhile, Labour leader Chris Hipkins said he was “broadly supportive” of New Zealand joining the proposed Ocean of Peace alliance with Australia, Fiji and potentially other Pacific countries.
Act leader David Seymour said it was “highly likely” New Zealand would join, potentially giving the country new formal allies for the first time since the collapse of ANZUS.
Taken together, the developments show Beijing pressuring a local councillor over a cultural event and warning the Government over international law, while bipartisan support grows for stronger regional defence arrangements.
China’s pressure may therefore be helping produce the closer Pacific security alignment it appears designed to discourage.
