CRS-新西兰：背景和与美国的关系（英文）-2021.5-26页_1mb

Summary of New Zealand: Background and Relations with the United States

Core Content

New Zealand is a stable and active democracy that maintains strong ties with the United States. The relationship is characterized by shared cultural traditions, democratic values, and common interests in defense, foreign affairs, and trade. Both nations have a long history of cooperation, particularly in the South Pacific and Antarctica, and have recently strengthened their strategic partnership through key declarations and military engagements.

Main Points

Shared Values and Historical Ties

• New Zealand and the U.S. share democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law.
• Both nations have historical roots in the British Empire and were part of the ANZUS alliance with Australia since 1951.
• The relationship was previously strained due to New Zealand's anti-nuclear stance, but this was resolved through the Wellington Declaration (2010) and the Washington Declaration (2012).

Military and Security Cooperation

• The two nations engage in regular military-to-military exercises and joint operations, including participation in the RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific) naval exercise.
• New Zealand has contributed troops to Afghanistan and Iraq, including a Provincial Reconstruction Team in Bamiyan Province and military training for Iraqi forces.
• The U.S. and New Zealand cooperate in intelligence-sharing through the Five Eyes alliance, which includes Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the U.S.
• The Wellington Declaration marked a turning point in restoring normal defense relations, with the U.S. resuming military visits and joint exercises.

Trade and Economic Relations

• New Zealand is a member of the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership), which replaced the TPP after the U.S. withdrawal in 2017.
• It also participates in the RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership), a trade agreement with ASEAN countries.
• New Zealand and the U.S. have a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement since 1992.
• In 2019, U.S.-New Zealand goods and services trade totaled $13.8 billion, with a surplus of $570 million.

Climate Change and Global Responsibilities

• New Zealand and the U.S. both support a rules-based international order and are committed to climate action.
• New Zealand passed the Zero Carbon Act in 2019, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
• In 2020, New Zealand declared a climate emergency and committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2025.
• The U.S. and New Zealand cooperate on nuclear proliferation, Islamist extremism, and regional security.

Political and Social Context

• New Zealand's government is a Mixed-Member-Proportional (MMP) parliamentary democracy with a unicameral parliament.
• The Labour Party, led by Jacinda Ardern, has been in power since 2017 and was re-elected with an outstanding majority in 2020.
• Ardern's leadership is noted for its compassionate style, particularly in response to the Christchurch Mosque Attacks (2019), where she introduced legislation banning military-style weapons.
• New Zealand's population is 5 million, with a European majority (70.2%) and a growing Pacific Islander community (8.1%).

Key Issues for Congress

• Congressional interest includes international security cooperation, trade policy, climate change, and intelligence cooperation.
• The U.S. and New Zealand have a shared interest in regional stability and economic integration in the Indo-Pacific.
• New Zealand's trade relationship with China sometimes diverges from U.S. interests, due to economic considerations.

Key Information

Key Agreements and Declarations

• Wellington Declaration (2010): Signaled the end of nuclear policy differences and established a strategic partnership.
• Washington Declaration (2012): Further enhanced defense cooperation and strategic dialogue.
• Five Eyes Alliance: Governs signals intelligence cooperation between the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

Key Events

• 2010s: Improved defense relations and increased military exchanges.
• 2017: New Zealand became the first developed country to sign a Free Trade Agreement with China, later upgraded in 2021.
• 2019: New Zealand declared a climate emergency and passed the Zero Carbon Act.
• 2020: New Zealand announced the end of its military involvement in Afghanistan and reopened air travel with Australia without quarantine.

Geographical and Demographic Facts

• Land Area: Approximately the size of Colorado.
• Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): One of the world's largest, over 4 million square kilometers.
• Population: 5 million, with 1.6% growth in 2020.
• Life Expectancy: 81.86 years (2018).
• Ethnic Groups: European (70.2%), Māori (16.5%), Asian (15.1%), Pacific Islander (8.1%).

Economic Indicators

• Per Capita GDP: $42,084 (PPP, 2019).
• GDP by Sector: Services (69.8%), Industry (26.3%), Agriculture (3.9%).
• GDP Growth: -0.3% in 2020, 5.4% forecast for 2021.

Trade and Investment

• Major Export Markets: China (28%), Australia (14.6%), U.S. (9.4%), Japan (6.9%).
• Export Commodities: Dairy products, meat, wood and wood products, fruit, oil, and wine.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): The U.S. was the third-largest source of FDI in New Zealand in 2018.

Conclusion

New Zealand and the United States maintain a close and multifaceted relationship across defense, trade, climate, and regional security. Despite past differences, the Wellington and Washington Declarations have helped restore trust and cooperation. New Zealand's strategic role in the Indo-Pacific and its commitment to international stability and climate action make it a valued partner. The current Labour government, led by Jacinda Ardern, continues to prioritize multilateral engagement, humanitarian efforts, and economic integration with the U.S. and other global partners.