Sociologist: Closer ties with China a necessity

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Sociologist: Closer ties with China a necessity

3News NZ

Jia Qinglin (AAP)

Jia Qinglin (AAP)

By 3 News online staff

China's fourth-ranked leader Jia Qinglin is in New Zealand on a four day visit to celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

New Zealand’s relationship with China is being closely watched with a Government decision imminent on whether to allow a Chinese bid to buy the Crafar farms.

That bid's upset some kiwis who say our land isn't for sale.

Sociologist Paul Spoonley believes some New Zealanders are struggling to understand why New Zealand is developing closer ties with Asian economies.

“It’s a new development and I think New Zealanders are just getting used to how close we are going to be aligned with China, politically and economically, and it’s ironic because the overseas ownership of New Zealand primary production is mostly North American, German, European, Australian,” Dr Spoonley says.

He says the Asia New Zealand Foundation has found three quarters of New Zealanders have no problems with the sale.

“[I think that] our economic future in particular is tied to what’s happening in Asia, so we feel much more closely aligned to Asia,” Dr Spoonley says.

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Comments

17/04/2012 1:29:05 p.m.

Fellowes wrote:

Mr Spoonley misses the point. It doesn't matter if it is Chinese, American or German corporations buying the land. The world needs our produce so we can sell our produce to the world without them buying the land as well. An issue as big as this needs a referendum so Kiwis can decide if they want to keep control of their country. No one party, and certainly not Mr Spoonley, can decide for us.

16/04/2012 5:19:50 p.m.

Realistic Kiwi wrote:

With $$$, any investor can invest anywhere in this almost bankrupt world....and NZ is foolish not sharing part of the rich mouthwatering cake!

16/04/2012 12:10:23 p.m.

Chris wrote:

There are a number of points that John needs to understand. First regarding land ownership the outcry against land ownership by foreigners is subsequent to the Chinese offer to buy the Crafar farms... If we as a nation feel this should not happen then let this sale go through under the current rules and, after a referendum or election, change the rules if that is what NZ's want. More importantly, whether we like it or not New Zealand is part of the global world. We have relationships with and trade with the rest of the world. NZ's depend upon it actually as we are an exporting nation. We can choose to live in isolation but must accept a significantly lower standard of living and be considered as more than a little backward... perhaps the hayseeds of the world. Thirdly exciting, energetic, vibrant countries are countries which evolve and change; the ones which accept other cultures and view points and are tolerant. The US is a classic example of vibrancy and success, alternatively some of the middle east and asian (North Korea)countries suffer. Fourthly as NZ's collectively, and I'm not talking about Government here, we have chosen to spend more than we earn... borrowing from foreigners to make up the difference in order to enable us to live a life we cannot really afford. The consequence of this is that, however you slice and dice it, our assets which includes land are already part owned by overseas entities. The classic saying "don't be fooled, the bank owns it" is so true in NZ. So when you make the sort of statements you have made, just be aware you cutting off your nose to spite your face and furthermore you are speaking for yourself and finally, because you have borrowed so much money to live the good life you have lost control anyway.

16/04/2012 10:12:10 a.m.

john wrote:

I don't want to be alingned with China. Plain and simple. I don't like alot of what goes on in what is a Communist country. New Zealand isn't one yet. But the land sale has nothing to do with just China. I don't want any foreign ownership of land. But yes I'll put my hand up and say especially no sale to the Chinese. I have no problem with being called a xenophobe. I really don't care for the changing face of my special country. I really do think the Chinese has many ideas for the world for them selves that has little todo with the people allready living on it.