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Will New Zealand’s ‘core political values’ be tested as new PM Christopher Luxon seeks closer China ties?
- The incoming leader is set to pursue warmer China ties, given his rural farming base’s reliance on the Chinese market
- But he has to balance expectations from New Zealanders and the Five Eyes, while Aukus could also constrain Luxon’s moves, analysts say
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With a newly elected government installed this week, New Zealand’s balancing of the big powers will be closely watched and analysts are expecting a shift.
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It is likely to tilt towards China because of its close economic links and a farming sector heavily reliant on the Chinese market. But Wellington under new Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is also likely to come under intense scrutiny if its ties with Beijing detract from its “core political values”, they said.
New Zealand’s farming sector, having seen the losses its Australian counterpart suffered when Canberra-Beijing ties deteriorated, is keen to avoid any fallout with the Asian economic giant, at least one analyst noted.
After a decisive election victory last month, Luxon, the former chief executive of Air New Zealand, officially assumed leadership after the Electoral Commission released the final election results on Friday.
Under the previous Labour government led for the most part by Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand hardened its stance towards China, expressing concerns over Beijing’s growing military strength in the region and calling out alleged Chinese interference in the country’s democracy.
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Ahead of the poll, Luxon said in reply to a question about China that there would be no change in bilateral relations, adding that both his and the previous administrations were aligned on foreign policy and stood up for national sovereignty.
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