New Zealanders' increasingly favorable view of China is rooted in China's consistent message of peace and stability, along with its openness to cultural exchange and trade, said Suzannah Jessep, chief executive of Asia New Zealand Foundation.
A recent Pew survey shows China now surpassing the United States in favorability across most of the 36 countries polled, underscoring broader changes in global perception. These findings are echoed in a similar survey by the Asia New Zealand Foundation.
In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) via video link, Jessep said trust between the two countries has been building up over time through concrete cooperation, as seen in the exchanges between China and New Zealand.
"I think any major country that is talking about peace and stability is welcome. Small countries want stability, we want rules, we want an environment where we know that it's a fair playing field for small countries. So major powers that are talking about stability and peace are very welcome. Trust, however, is built over time. So we know, for example, New Zealand's trade relationship with China, which has been incredibly important and built up over the years, and a lot of travel, and the visa-free travel has made a real difference there too," said the regional friendship advocate.
While views of China gain foundation, Jessep noted that New Zealanders' views on the U.S. could turn more negative if the Middle East conflict worsens their economy.
"Much will depend on how the war continues to impact our economy. And then the decisions taken by the U.S. going forward. If we see inflation continue to increase on the basis of rising fuel prices, and if we continue to see decisions taken that perhaps either worsen or complicate the conflict, and that has have negative downstream impacts on our economy and on jobs and on the cost of living, it's possible New Zealanders will look to the U.S. with greater negativity," she said.
Meanwhile, most New Zealanders are positive about Asia's future and want stronger ties with the region.
"Eighty-one percent of New Zealanders say, you know, the clear majority, see the Asia region as really important to our future and want the investment. So we've seen a raft of agreements signed across Asia, and there's broadly a sense of positivity about the region. So while, despite all of those headlines, New Zealand is positive about the technology they're seeing coming out of Asia. They're positive about the economic growth. They're positive about building relationships and building strategic partnerships," she said.
New Zealanders' rising favorability toward China backed by long-built trust: expert
