It’s not just size. China’s pragmatic trade strategy, which prioritizes meeting the development needs of its trading partners, has played a key role, too.
Differences between Australia and China will remain, but both foreign ministers this week stressed the need to manage them better to avoid another diplomatic freeze.
Beijing focused on the shared interests and identities between China and Australia, emphasising the enduring importance of the bilateral economic relationship.
Lula’s courting of – or by – China and Western powers has confounded critics. But in reality, it is a continuation of the foreign policy he pursued during his earlier term in power.
As China’s influence and economic strength grows, it is unlikely to give middle powers like Australia more latitude to manage their relations with both Beijing and Washington.
Hongzhi Gao, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington; Ivy Guo, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington, and Monica Ren, Macquarie University
The recently signed RCEP trade agreement encourages even closer ties with China, but this puts New Zealand’s long-term interests at risk.
Between trade and traditional security alliances, New Zealand is being pulled in opposite directions over China. A new foreign policy is urgently needed.
Hongzhi Gao, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington and Monica Ren, Macquarie University
Talks about creating a trans-Tasman bubble have focused on kick-starting short-term economic activity through tourism. But Australia and NZ could also increase manufacturing and trade integration.
Klaus W. Larres, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Beijing is touting its role in the world and praising its autocratic governmental system and its huge countrywide surveillance network. Hawks in Washington aren’t impressed.
The United States may violate the World Trade Organisation rules if it punishes South Africa for adopting a new copyright bill, explain two US trade experts.