The New Zealand Paradox

May 1, 2014

The rise of China is profoundly altering the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region, and this shift will accelerate as China’s economy grows to rival that of the United States during the next two decades. This new era will challenge all the states within the region, most of whom have deep and growing economic links with China, but also look to the United States as their principal security partner. New Zealand, along with Australia, is in this situation.

The maintenance of peace and security in the Asia Pacific will require China and the United States to accommodate each other’s legitimate interests. The other nations of the region have an abiding stake in seeing that this accommodation takes place. This report examines these issues and suggests the course that New Zealand should chart to ensure that its interests in the peace and stability of the Asia Pacific are maintained.

Wayne Mapp has served as New Zealand’s minister of defense and minister of science and innovation.