Watch it on NIICE Nepal YouTube Channel

Event Report

A webinar on “New Zealand-South Asia Ties” was held by NIICE on the 29^th of September, 2021. Suzannah Jessep, Director for Research and Engagement of the Asia New Zealand Foundation and Former Deputy Ambassador/ High Commissioner to Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, provided an overview of the relationship between New Zealand and South Asia, as well as their take on the rise of Asia.

New Zealand’s Foreign Policy Priorities

Guided by the “If you’re not on the table, you’re on the menu” principle, New Zealand prides itself for being an engaged player. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the country’s approach has been more insular and introspective. Focus has been centered on being a good partner through bilateral ties, COVID-19 support and assistance, and maintaining trade among immediate neighboring countries and the South Pacific.

One of the aspects that shape their Foreign Policy is the fact that they are a maritime country. With this, the state has been keen on the rules and regulations that govern the sea such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand’s Prime Minister, and her distinct style of politics has also shaped their foreign policy. In the speaker’s words, “it brings a new flavor” as it was more about kindness, equity, communication, and community well-being.

Currently, their foreign policy prioritized combating COVID-19 and they have inculcated an aggressive elimination strategy with closed borders and short sharp lockdowns. Moreover, the state is working on increasing vaccination rates, rebuilding the economy, and reconnecting the community.

New Zealand’s Perception on the Rise of Asia

Suzannah Jessep emphasized New Zealand being in the camp of welcoming the rise of Asia. In fact, the establishment of the Asia New Zealand Foundation in 1994 was fueled by their recognition of the significance of Asia and the need to invest more in researching the region.

However, admittedly, they have been more wary in the past 10 years with the rise of superpowers in Asia, specifically China. Experience has taught them that their values do not totally align and that superpowers can impact rules and regional order that small independent countries like Nepal and New Zealand depend on. Indeed, this reality has made New Zealand more selective as all states are learning to compete and cooperate at the same time.

Furthermore, a longitudinal study they have conducted about New Zealanders’ perception of Asia has proven that public perception does play a role. A great number of New Zealanders see the importance of Asia despite the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic.  On the contrary, there has been a 14% decrease in the perception of China’s friendliness towards New Zealand between 2019 and 2020. The data is a reflection Kiwi’s aversion towards China’s issues on warfare diplomacy, human rights violations, incursions, and cyber-attacks, among others. Despite the difficulty, New Zealand is eager to engage with the country.

New Zealand’s Recognition of the Importance of South Asia

The speaker admitted they have so much to know about South Asia as it has been too far off the radar. Most of the connections were brought about by the country’s shared commonwealth heritage. Truly, the relationship has been warm and long-standing, but it is thin. Public perception has not been favorable for the region as media headlines disproportionately shape it. It fails to capture innovations, developments, and other aspects that may bring them together. Regardless, as an economic power with growing political significance, South Asia matters to New Zealand. Despite it being consequential, New Zealand is working on exploring more about the region.

Analyzing the Nepal – New Zealand Relations

In addition to that, as the former High Commissioner to Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, the speaker believes there is no shortage of good will. However, they must be creative and strategic with how they build and maintain relationships during the pandemic. Specifically, there is a lot to talk about when it comes to Nepal and New Zealand’s strong-vested interests in maintaining a rules-based global order, peace, and stability.  Ensuring that small and middle powers have a say in the international arena is another one of their similarities.

In addition to that, these states have been strongly people-based and are shaped by the achievements of individuals. Despite not having reciprocal High Commissions in Kathmandu and Wellington, both have adept Honorary Councils that strengthen trust between countries.

China and New Zealand Relations: The countries have strong trade ties, but some aspects of the behavior of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) worries New Zealand in terms of regional order and security. Their approach is to keep the relationship functional by striving not to “rock the boat” and managing issues together in good faith. Admittedly, there has been a deterioration of the relationship more because of values. These are deep-seated differences that New Zealand is trying to be more mindful about.

Prepared by Janssen Micah E. Fajardo, Research Intern at NIICE.