China in 2024: John McKinnon reflects on the modern-day condition of China and its government and comments on the implications for New Zealand

Like some 130 countries, New Zealand's largest economic partner is China--by some distance. The New Zealand-China economic relationship inevitably dominates interactions between the two countries, and China will remain a major economic and commercial partner. But if New Zealand's relationship with China is to work, it must rest on solid political foundations as well. That is far from meaning always agreeing with China, but it does mean not allowing our differences of view to define our relationship. Mutual respect, consistency and transparency are vital assets for a country such as ours, afloat on the ocean of international affairs.
In this article I will approach the subject of China in 2024 from three angles--the people, the economy and the government. And conclude by outlining what all that means for [...]