Chinese strategists: "New Zealand holds the key to the world"

[MrDominator]

Nikkei has a fascinating report on the geopolitical jostling in Asia. The Chinese are apparently worried about a burgeoning Anglo-Japanese alliance...

When China made a largely unexpected gambit just before Biden's inauguration to reach a basic agreement with the EU on an investment pact, it was hailed as a major diplomatic victory. The deal drove a wedge between the U.S. and Europe ahead of the incoming Biden administration.

But China overlooked one thing: The U.K. had already left the EU and was heading to Asia, China's own backyard.

Chinese foreign policy experts note that London's post-Brexit Asia policy could impede Beijing's Asia-Pacific strategy.

Some are alarmed by what they call a new "quasi-alliance" between the U.K. and Japan, which, in their eyes, hearkens back to the 1902-23 Anglo-Japanese Alliance that changed the dynamics of Asia.

"You should not forget that the old Anglo-Japanese Alliance not only was aimed at countering Russia, but also it had a hidden agenda of containing China's national rejuvenation," one expert said. "By joining forces with Japan again and forming a quasi-alliance, the U.K. is now trying to block China from making a leap forward."

Britain's departure from the European Union and pivot to Asia have been compared to an opposite movement that occurred in Meiji-era Japan. "Out of Asia and into Europe" was the slogan that captivated the Japanese in the late 19th century. Now London looks to be moving "Out of Europe and into Asia."

One foreign policy expert said the U.K.'s application to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership was a blow to Beijing. Now officially called the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, the trade pact is something China is seriously considering joining.

But see New Zealand as their secret weapon...

Yet China is not sitting idle in this period, a prelude to the tug of war over a new post-coronavirus international order.

"We are making a strategic move accordingly," one Chinese trade official said. "Holding the key is New Zealand."

China and New Zealand, a TPP member country, signed a deal in late January to upgrade their bilateral free trade agreement.

New Zealand is a member of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance led by the U.S. Wellington also has kept its approach toward China largely in step with that of Australia, even as its neighbor remains locked in a fierce confrontation with Beijing.

But China has begun efforts to win over New Zealand regardless of that country's other partnerships. Any application by China for TPP membership in the future will need help from Wellington.

Do we have a cuckoo in the Anglosphere nest?

[inactionman]

We certainly had one with Trump in post.

[Flyin Ryan]

Maybe they see NZ once groomed playing the role that say Cyprus, Hungary, or Spain play in the EU of having a member state that is clearly acting for interests outside of the union, to act as an internal counterweight.

The real story in this is they see Australia probably as too far gone to the UK et al. In a purely geographical sense, New Zealand is too far away from Asia to play much of a role in comparison to say a naval base in Sri Lanka. So the role they see for them is probably one of intelligence only.

It's smart though for the UK to focus on Asia. It's where the real action is going to be this century. Just look at numbers of people and where the up-and-coming states economically are, it's not Europe.

[Whatever]

Maybe they see NZ once groomed playing the role that say Cyprus, Hungary, or Spain play in the EU of having a member state that is clearly acting for interests outside of the union, to act as an internal counterweight.

The real story in this is they see Australia probably as too far gone to the UK et al. In a purely geographical sense, New Zealand is too far away from Asia to play much of a role in comparison to say a naval base in Sri Lanka. So the role they see for them is probably one of intelligence only.

It's smart though for the UK to focus on Asia. It's where the real action is going to be this century. Just look at numbers of people and where the up-and-coming states economically are, it's not Europe.

We're being groomed.

A nice trade deal, a 'friendship bridge' between the North and South Islands, the Ali Baba All Blacks... We better make sure we get what we want. We are not easy.

[koroke hangareka]

Maybe they see NZ once groomed playing the role that say Cyprus, Hungary, or Spain play in the EU of having a member state that is clearly acting for interests outside of the union, to act as an internal counterweight.

The real story in this is they see Australia probably as too far gone to the UK et al. In a purely geographical sense, New Zealand is too far away from Asia to play much of a role in comparison to say a naval base in Sri Lanka. So the role they see for them is probably one of intelligence only.

It's smart though for the UK to focus on Asia. It's where the real action is going to be this century. Just look at numbers of people and where the up-and-coming states economically are, it's not Europe.

We're being groomed.

A nice trade deal, a 'friendship bridge' between the North and South Islands, the Ali Baba All Blacks... We better make sure we get what we want. We are not easy.

Speak for yourself.

[kiap]

they see Australia probably as too far gone to the UK et al.

That might be roughly so, but I wouldn't put it that way.

The UK is trying to make a partial pivot to the east in seeking new friends for obvious reasons. Australia has been playing this as their main game all the while (even if it didn't always want to be).

In a purely geographical sense, New Zealand is too far away from Asia to play much of a role in comparison to say a naval base in Sri Lanka. So the role they see for them is probably one of intelligence only.

The Sri Lankan port, while a solid kick to balls for India, is more peripheral than you might think. Certainly nowhere near the priority of client states in Cambodia and Myanmar.

NZ is more about trade and influence through the South Pacific.

It's smart though for the UK to focus on Asia. It's where the real action is going to be this century. Just look at numbers of people and where the up-and-coming states economically are, it's not Europe.

Plenty of action. Some might be hot...

[Flyin Ryan]

In a purely geographical sense, New Zealand is too far away from Asia to play much of a role in comparison to say a naval base in Sri Lanka. So the role they see for them is probably one of intelligence only.

The Sri Lankan port, while a solid kick to balls for India, is more peripheral than you might think. Certainly nowhere near the priority of client states in Cambodia and Myanmar.

True.

NZ is more about trade and influence through the South Pacific.

That's all PLAN-driven.

It's smart though for the UK to focus on Asia. It's where the real action is going to be this century. Just look at numbers of people and where the up-and-coming states economically are, it's not Europe.

Plenty of action. Some might be hot...

My gut prediction is the Chinese will be engaged in a near-abroad conflict sometime next 15 years, likely with the PLAN, to move the geopolitical rhetoric a certain direction. Now who will they be engaged with is the more interesting question. Right now I think I'd say the Philippines because a navy excursion there's more vaguery about naval borders than there is dropping bombs or a landing force that allows the Chinese a legalistic out and they claim most of the South China Sea anyway, and an action against India or Taiwan risks a much larger conflict that could turn against them. This kind of expeditioning periphery conflict once it occurs will allow in the broader global order for determining who is on whose side.

[Whatever]

Maybe they see NZ once groomed playing the role that say Cyprus, Hungary, or Spain play in the EU of having a member state that is clearly acting for interests outside of the union, to act as an internal counterweight.

The real story in this is they see Australia probably as too far gone to the UK et al. In a purely geographical sense, New Zealand is too far away from Asia to play much of a role in comparison to say a naval base in Sri Lanka. So the role they see for them is probably one of intelligence only.

It's smart though for the UK to focus on Asia. It's where the real action is going to be this century. Just look at numbers of people and where the up-and-coming states economically are, it's not Europe.

We're being groomed.

A nice trade deal, a 'friendship bridge' between the North and South Islands, the Ali Baba All Blacks... We better make sure we get what we want. We are not easy.

Speak for yourself.

I do like pretty things.

My gf is from HK. I may be already compromised. I welcome our new Chinese overlords.

[MrDominator]

Here's my view, lads.

The Kiwis are the Irish of the South Seas - shameless and disreputable opportunists who see the travails of their nearest neighbours as an opportunity to make $s. Jacinda Ardern is the Eamon de Valera of the Pacific.

Truly shameful stuff that betrays the heritage of all those brave Kiwis who defended freedom in the 20th century.

[Salient]

Here's my view, lads.

The Kiwis are the Irish of the South Seas - shameless and disreputable opportunists who see the travails of their nearest neighbours as an opportunity to make $s. Jacinda Ardern is the Eamon de Valera of the Pacific.

Truly shameful stuff that betrays the heritage of all those brave Kiwis who defended freedom in the 20th century.

Sorry the ABs made your team their bitches ...

[koroke hangareka]

Here's my view, lads.

The Kiwis are the Irish of the South Seas - shameless and disreputable opportunists who see the travails of their nearest neighbours as an opportunity to make $s. Jacinda Ardern is the Eamon de Valera of the Pacific.

Truly shameful stuff that betrays the heritage of all those brave Kiwis who defended freedom in the 20th century.

Yes, we only did this because we wanted you to buy our butter.

[terangi48]

"Yes, we only did this because we wanted you to buy our butter."

[grievous]

Maybe they see NZ once groomed playing the role that say Cyprus, Hungary, or Spain play in the EU of having a member state that is clearly acting for interests outside of the union, to act as an internal counterweight.

The real story in this is they see Australia probably as too far gone to the UK et al. In a purely geographical sense, New Zealand is too far away from Asia to play much of a role in comparison to say a naval base in Sri Lanka. So the role they see for them is probably one of intelligence only.

Huh?
This hasnt changed we have a longstanding security treaty with the US as well as a member of the five eyes, this isnt new, China havent tried to get us on the CCP bus rather they have tried to disrupt existing relations with our traditional allies...and it hasnt worked.

[grievous]

they see Australia probably as too far gone to the UK et al.

That might be roughly so, but I wouldn't put it that way.

The UK is trying to make a partial pivot to the east in seeking new friends for obvious reasons. Australia has been playing this as their main game all the while (even if it didn't always want to be).

In a purely geographical sense, New Zealand is too far away from Asia to play much of a role in comparison to say a naval base in Sri Lanka. So the role they see for them is probably one of intelligence only.

The Sri Lankan port, while a solid kick to balls for India, is more peripheral than you might think. Certainly nowhere near the priority of client states in Cambodia and Myanmar.

NZ is more about trade and influence through the South Pacific.

It's smart though for the UK to focus on Asia. It's where the real action is going to be this century. Just look at numbers of people and where the up-and-coming states economically are, it's not Europe.

Plenty of action. Some might be hot...

Or Daru

[Whatever]

On a somewhat related matter, that I don't see elsewhere, BBC World has now been banned in China, shortly after their documentary of abuse of Uighars.

[Zakar]

Gives more credence to the 'Ali's Choice is a paid CCP troll' theory.

[Duff Paddy]

I think I speak on behalf of the entire board when I say that I’m willing to sacrifice New Zealand to appease the Chinese.

[CrazyIslander]

Maybe they see NZ once groomed playing the role that say Cyprus, Hungary, or Spain play in the EU of having a member state that is clearly acting for interests outside of the union, to act as an internal counterweight.

The real story in this is they see Australia probably as too far gone to the UK et al. In a purely geographical sense, New Zealand is too far away from Asia to play much of a role in comparison to say a naval base in Sri Lanka. So the role they see for them is probably one of intelligence only.

It's smart though for the UK to focus on Asia. It's where the real action is going to be this century. Just look at numbers of people and where the up-and-coming states economically are, it's not Europe.

We're being groomed.

A nice trade deal, a 'friendship bridge' between the North and South Islands, the Ali Baba All Blacks... We better make sure we get what we want. We are not easy.

But optimistic if you think they'll include "All Blacks" in the new name.

[JamesJames]

On a somewhat related matter, that I don't see elsewhere, BBC World has now been banned in China, shortly after their documentary of abuse of Uighars.

Meanwhile every muslim majority country is deafeningly silent on the issue.

[Lemoentjie]

Does a country need unanimous votes from the member countries of the TPP to join the TPP?

China is probably worried that UK will block them from joining the TPP if they join before them.

I do actually think that NZ politics has to a certain extent been compromised by the Chinese. Or NZ just needs to try and rebel against their big Australian neighbour by saying "look how different we are!"

[AnkleTap]

Here's my view, lads.

The Kiwis are the Irish of the South Seas

Sorry the ABs made your team their bitches ...

huh?

[Flyin Ryan]

On a somewhat related matter, that I don't see elsewhere, BBC World has now been banned in China, shortly after their documentary of abuse of Uighars.

Meanwhile every muslim majority country is deafeningly silent on the issue.

Yeah. Funny that.

[Masterji]

On a somewhat related matter, that I don't see elsewhere, BBC World has now been banned in China, shortly after their documentary of abuse of Uighars.

Meanwhile every muslim majority country is deafeningly silent on the issue.

It is shocking and cowardly. But one of the reasons for that is that they don't trust the West at all. When Trump met Xi he was happy for the genocide and was supportive but after the CV crisis the Americans were using the same issue to bash the Chinese.

[Masterji]

Does a country need unanimous votes from the member countries of the TPP to join the TPP?

China is probably worried that UK will block them from joining the TPP if they join before them.

I do actually think that NZ politics has to a certain extent been compromised by the Chinese. Or NZ just needs to try and rebel against their big Australian neighbour by saying "look how different we are!"

What percentage of the NZ population is Chinese

[Ghost-Of-Nepia]

If only there was a search engine that could provide the answer to that question.

[obelixtim]

Does a country need unanimous votes from the member countries of the TPP to join the TPP?

China is probably worried that UK will block them from joining the TPP if they join before them.

I do actually think that NZ politics has to a certain extent been compromised by the Chinese. Or NZ just needs to try and rebel against their big Australian neighbour by saying "look how different we are!"

NZ was sold out by Jong Kee who allowed cheap Chinese money and immigrants to buy up real estate and businesses, while lining his own pockets. Visited the hospital recently, the waiting rooms were full of elderly Chinese people. Where did they all come from? Meanwhile Kiwis have to go on waiting lists for treatment.

China owns NZ, economically.

[Tehui]

Does a country need unanimous votes from the member countries of the TPP to join the TPP?

China is probably worried that UK will block them from joining the TPP if they join before them.

I do actually think that NZ politics has to a certain extent been compromised by the Chinese. Or NZ just needs to try and rebel against their big Australian neighbour by saying "look how different we are!"

NZ was sold out by Jong Kee who allowed cheap Chinese money and immigrants to buy up real estate and businesses, while lining his own pockets. Visited the hospital recently, the waiting rooms were full of elderly Chinese people. Where did they all come from? Meanwhile Kiwis have to go on waiting lists for treatment.

China owns NZ, economically.

Maybe that's what they meant when they said 'New Zealand holds the Key to the world".

[Sputnik V]

Does a country need unanimous votes from the member countries of the TPP to join the TPP?

China is probably worried that UK will block them from joining the TPP if they join before them.

I do actually think that NZ politics has to a certain extent been compromised by the Chinese. Or NZ just needs to try and rebel against their big Australian neighbour by saying "look how different we are!"

Thank you for that. I had a proper belly laugh when I saw that. I mean proper out loud laughing.

Read it again and think about that comment.

[usermame]

Was this before or after China banned fish imports from NZ?

[obelixtim]

Was this before or after China banned fish imports from NZ?

I hope they keep the ban on. We need to keep our fish for ourselves.

[Sensible Stephen]

Does a country need unanimous votes from the member countries of the TPP to join the TPP?

China is probably worried that UK will block them from joining the TPP if they join before them.

I do actually think that NZ politics has to a certain extent been compromised by the Chinese. Or NZ just needs to try and rebel against their big Australian neighbour by saying "look how different we are!"

NZ was sold out by Jong Kee who allowed cheap Chinese money and immigrants to buy up real estate and businesses, while lining his own pockets. Visited the hospital recently, the waiting rooms were full of elderly Chinese people. Where did they all come from? Meanwhile Kiwis have to go on waiting lists for treatment.

China owns NZ, economically.

This stinks of... hmmm

Hong Kong, Malaysia? Maybe they aren't even Chinese at all? Don't conflate the ills of the CCP with Asian people please.

[obelixtim]

Does a country need unanimous votes from the member countries of the TPP to join the TPP?

China is probably worried that UK will block them from joining the TPP if they join before them.

I do actually think that NZ politics has to a certain extent been compromised by the Chinese. Or NZ just needs to try and rebel against their big Australian neighbour by saying "look how different we are!"

NZ was sold out by Jong Kee who allowed cheap Chinese money and immigrants to buy up real estate and businesses, while lining his own pockets. Visited the hospital recently, the waiting rooms were full of elderly Chinese people. Where did they all come from? Meanwhile Kiwis have to go on waiting lists for treatment.

China owns NZ, economically.

This stinks of... hmmm

Hong Kong, Malaysia? Maybe they aren't even Chinese at all? Don't conflate the ills of the CCP with Asian people please.

Well they certainly aren't Africans. And they all seem to be speaking Cantonese or Mandarin.

[Sensible Stephen]

This stinks of... hmmm

Hong Kong, Malaysia? Maybe they aren't even Chinese at all? Don't conflate the ills of the CCP with Asian people please.

Well they certainly aren't Africans. And they all seem to be speaking Cantonese or Mandarin.

How does that refute any of what I said above? And why do you imply they aren't kiwis?

[koroke hangareka]

Does a country need unanimous votes from the member countries of the TPP to join the TPP?

China is probably worried that UK will block them from joining the TPP if they join before them.

I do actually think that NZ politics has to a certain extent been compromised by the Chinese. Or NZ just needs to try and rebel against their big Australian neighbour by saying "look how different we are!"

NZ was sold out by Jong Kee who allowed cheap Chinese money and immigrants to buy up real estate and businesses, while lining his own pockets. Visited the hospital recently, the waiting rooms were full of elderly Chinese people. Where did they all come from? Meanwhile Kiwis have to go on waiting lists for treatment.

China owns NZ, economically.

This stinks of... hmmm

Hong Kong, Malaysia? Maybe they aren't even Chinese at all? Don't conflate the ills of the CCP with Asian people please.

Well they certainly aren't Africans. And they all seem to be speaking Cantonese or Mandarin.

Wot?

[Sputnik V]

On a somewhat related matter, that I don't see elsewhere, BBC World has now been banned in China, shortly after their documentary of abuse of Uighars.

Meanwhile every muslim majority country is deafeningly silent on the issue.

The bbc

[obelixtim]

This stinks of... hmmm

Hong Kong, Malaysia? Maybe they aren't even Chinese at all? Don't conflate the ills of the CCP with Asian people please.

Well they certainly aren't Africans. And they all seem to be speaking Cantonese or Mandarin.

How does that refute any of what I said above? And why do you imply they aren't kiwis?

Because it wasn't that long ago that it was rare to see people of Chinese extraction. Walk down Queen St in Auckland today and its rare to see anyone who is not of Chinese extraction. Whole shopping centres are notable by the number displaying Chinese writing in their advertising and branding.

They didn't come out of thin air. Jong Kee opened the floodgates by encouraging Chinese immigration as long as they bought money. Its one reason the real estate market is overheated and kiwis can't afford to buy their own homes.

[Sputnik V]

The Chinese are a good asset for NZ, enjoy it. They will help you keep food on the table for years to come.

[Enzedder]

As much as I don't like it, we do seem to have little option with other countries all playing hardball.

But, because we're very likeable, we can also like more than one country at a time. Just ask our ANZAC mates when the chips are down.

[Sensible Stephen]

This stinks of... hmmm

Hong Kong, Malaysia? Maybe they aren't even Chinese at all? Don't conflate the ills of the CCP with Asian people please.

Well they certainly aren't Africans. And they all seem to be speaking Cantonese or Mandarin.

How does that refute any of what I said above? And why do you imply they aren't kiwis?

Because it wasn't that long ago that it was rare to see people of Chinese extraction. Walk down Queen St in Auckland today and its rare to see anyone who is not of Chinese extraction. Whole shopping centres are notable by the number displaying Chinese writing in their advertising and branding.

They didn't come out of thin air. Jong Kee opened the floodgates by encouraging Chinese immigration as long as they bought money. Its one reason the real estate market is overheated and kiwis can't afford to buy their own homes.

Why don't you think these people are Kiwis? And why are you using racist spelling to make your former PMs name sound Korean?

[Sputnik V]

do kiwis have gammons too or are they ones we've sent you contaminating the fine place