New Zealand Faces Security Concerns Amid China’s Growing Influence
As China’s influence continues to rise, New Zealand is grappling with security concerns and facing a significant test ahead of its general election on October 14th. For the first time in decades, foreign and defense policies have become major electoral issues, reflecting the growing public concern about the security environment and the nation’s relationship with an assertive China.
A recently released defense review highlighted the fact that New Zealand’s military capabilities have fallen behind and emphasized that the country’s geographical isolation can no longer be relied upon as a security guarantee. This has left policymakers and political parties in a quandary as they struggle to determine the appropriate response. According to experts, this focus on external issues is uncommon in New Zealand politics since the 1980s.
In a survey conducted alongside the defense review, approximately 40 percent of respondents identified China’s rise as one of the greatest threats to New Zealand’s safety and security in the next decade. This reflects a growing consciousness among the public regarding foreign policy, defense, and the relationship with Pacific nations.
However, while security concerns have gained attention, the majority of voters still consider domestic issues like the rising cost of living, crime, and the economy as their top priorities. A recent poll showed that 63 percent of voters see inflation and the cost of living as the most important issues for the election, while defense and security ranked as a top priority for only one percent of voters.
Until recently, New Zealand believed that its remote location offered protection. However, China’s expanding presence in the Indo-Pacific, its security pact with the Solomon Islands, and the global geopolitical implications of events like the conflict in Ukraine have brought the strategic challenges much closer to home. This has resulted in rising concerns about defense, security, and foreign policy among New Zealanders.
While foreign policy issues have not traditionally played a central role in New Zealand elections, there have been exceptions in the past. For example, in the 1980s, the Labour Party’s decision to halt visits from nuclear-armed and nuclear-powered ships effectively ended New Zealand’s military alliance with the United States. This decision proved popular with voters, helping Labour win the election.
Now, New Zealand must grapple with important decisions regarding defense spending, its relationships with the United States and China, and its potential involvement in the AUKUS partnership involving Australia, the United States, and Britain. Currently, New Zealand’s defense budget is around one percent of its gross domestic product.
As the governing Labour Party advocates for increased defense spending without specifying the extent, former prime minister and Labour leader Helen Clark called for a full public debate rather than an officialdom-driven realignment. Meanwhile, the opposition National Party, which is projected to win the government, has not disclosed its defense policy and seeks more information about AUKUS.
Amidst these discussions, opposition foreign affairs spokesman Gerry Brownlee emphasized the significance of maintaining ties with China and the dependence on the trade relationship it entails. He acknowledged the need for gradual adjustments over time.
With the general election approaching, New Zealand finds itself confronting security concerns related to China’s growing influence. The electorate’s focus on foreign policy and defense issues reflects changing times, prompting politicians to carefully consider their positions on these crucial matters. As the country navigates this period of uncertainty, it remains to be seen how New Zealand will respond to the challenges posed by an evolving regional security landscape.
