New Zealand policy and attitudes toward Communist China: a study in the evolution and influence of the American alliance

Abstract

No country can escape the logic of its geographical position. As a small Pacific power, New Zealand is manifestly unable to defend herself against a major power unless allied with other, stronger, nations. The result of this basic fact has been her post-war alliance with the United States, an alliance which has created as well as solved some of the country's security and diplomatic problems. This has been particularly evident in New Zealand's attitudes and policies toward Communist China. Lying near the perimeter of the Asian land mass. New Zealand constitutes - along with Australia - a white outpost in a predominantly Asian area. She cannot simply cut loose from Asia, as the Western imperial powers have largely done. Her destiny is shaped to a great extent by developments in Asia, particularly South-east Asia. Since the Chinese People's Republic dominates that area, New Zealand policies toward South-east Asia have been forced to take note of Peking's ambitions and actions there.