It is geoeconomics that is stupid. Five Ear Alliance, an intelligence sharing cartel got an unwelcome shelling when New Zealand foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta stated in public that New Zealand is uncomfortable with the ever expanding ambit of this Alliance. Behind this admonishment lies the growing trade between New Zealand and China.
The Five Eyes is an intelligence sharing alliance, comprising Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States under multilateral treaty for joint cooperation in signals intelligence during World War II. In the post war period, it became formalised under a new surveillance system in 1960s. The ambit of the sharing information was expanded to such an extent that Five Eye became the first point of contact on any issue even remotely connected with fellow members.
Geoeconomics came into spotlight as New Zealand was having a thumping trade relationship with China, which, of late became the leading trade partner. The crux of the matter is none of the fellow members have the kind of cordial relationship that New Zealand has with China, in bilateral relations and in import-export trade.
Figures add credence to the premier position. Export to China was almost 30% of the total volume with a value of 10.8 Billion US$. Major items are dairy, meat and wood products along with fresh fruits. Imports amounted to 8.4 Billion US$ almost 20% of the total volume comprising mainly electrical & electronic items along with machinery.
New Zealand was pressurised by five Eye to impose sanctions on China in addition to pass critical judgement over the latter’s human rights abuse. Politely declining this type of interference in her internal affairs, Nanaia went on record stating “New Zealand won’t provoke or engage with China through Five Eye aside from any intelligence sharing matters”. She added: “We would much rather prefer to look for multilateral approach to express our interest (Concerns)”.
New Zealand is a small country compared with the other members of the Five Eye. Yet she is charting fairly independent foreign policy taking into considerations of geoeconomics factors such as balancing trade between the two of them. The Pacific region, ASEAN and East Asia region where South Korea, Japan and Taiwan are ruling the roost besides the Chinese Dragon.
Cheers!
Muthu
Ashraff Rajulu
Business Strategist
Mobile: + 94 777 265677
E-mail: cosmicgems@gmail.com
Blog: Business Strategist
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