This policy paper examines China's foreign political influence activities under Xi Jinping, using one very representative state, New Zealand, as a case study. New Zealand’s relationship with China is of interest, because the Chinese government regards New Zealand as an exemplar of how it would like its relations to be with other states.
In 2013, China’s New Zealand ambassador described the two countries’ relationship as “a model to other Western countries”.6 And after Premier Li Keqiang visited New Zealand in 2017, a Chinese diplomat favourably compared New Zealand-China relations to the level of closeness China had with Albania in the early 1960s.7 The paper considers the potential impact of China’s expanded political influence activities in New Zealand and how any effects could be mitigated and countered.
In 2013, China’s New Zealand ambassador described the two countries’ relationship as “a model to other Western countries”.6 And after Premier Li Keqiang visited New Zealand in 2017, a Chinese diplomat favourably compared New Zealand-China relations to the level of closeness China had with Albania in the early 1960s.7 The paper considers the potential impact of China’s expanded political influence activities in New Zealand and how any effects could be mitigated and countered.
