A Return to Values-based Foreign Policy in New Zealand

Aotearoa New Zealand's foreign policy has been grounded in pragmatism and normative idealism. The recent release of a U.S.-Aotearoa New Zealand joint statement is a welcome re-embrace of a more values-based foreign policy for the country. Over the past several decades, the New Zealand government has been increasingly pragmatic in prioritizing its economic interests, and has been less vocal in terms of its response to human rights issues with China, its largest export market. This unwillingness to criticize Chinese actions, and to place economics ahead of values became particularly apparent in the reluctance to join its Five Eyes intelligence partners (Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, and the United States) in condemning China's human rights violations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.