New Zealanders’ perception of China has shifted dramatically over the first half of 2022, with the majority now viewing the Asian nation as a “threat,” according to a recent survey.
A mini-survey conducted by Asia New Zealand Foundation in June found that 58 percent of New Zealanders view China as a “threat” and a record low 13 percent saw the country as a “friend.”
This is a significant shift from the main survey conducted in November 2021, where 37 percent viewed China as threatening, and 29 percent saw China as friendly.
It comes after Beijing initiated moves to establish military ties within the Pacific, on New Zealand’s doorstep, as well as its refusal to condemn Russia’s war in Ukraine….