New Zealand Prime Minister Luxon talks trade in meeting with China’s Xi
Associated Press16 hrs
New Zealand's Luxon Meets China's Xi for talks in Beijing
Above: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and President Xi Jinping on Nov. 15, 2024. Image copyright: Zhai Jianlan/Xinhua/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-China narrative
Due to Trump’s erratic trade and foreign policy, the U.S. is no longer a reliable partner for Indo-Pacific nations, including even for traditional U.S. allies like New Zealand. Luxon’s rapprochement with China this past week is symbolic of that. By building on the countries’ shared harmonious diplomatic history, New Zealand can find new commercial opportunities and a steady partner willing to cooperate with China.
Anti-China narrative
A New Zealand pivot towards China would be a geostrategic error as the CCP extends its influence to the South Pacific. Recently, Chinese warships have operated in the Tasman Sea while Chinese cash has ensnared the Cook Islands, a country in free association with New Zealand. As such, New Zealand should be deepening ties with its traditional allies, like the U.S., rather than with the threat on its doorstep.