Chris Elder

Home Institution: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Visiting Period: 18 November 2012 - 28 February 2013

Research Project: 40 years of NZ-China Relations

40 years of NZ-China Relations

The New Zealand Contemporary China research Centre is taking a lead role in arranging two symposia to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and China. In New Zealand, it is working in cooperation with the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, and in China, with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the New Zealand Centre at Peking University. The first symposium took place in Wellington on 5 September; the second is planned for Beijing on 4 December.

The objective of the two forums is to examine the state of the relationship between the two countries after 40 years of political contact, and to consider how it might develop in the years ahead. The discussions bring together people directly involved in different aspects of bilateral relations - government officials, academics, businessmen and others.

As one outcome of the symposia, the Contemporary China Research Centre will be producing a publication. It is intended that this will set out the main themes and points of view expressed at the meetings, and place them in a wider context. It will not be a verbatim record of proceedings, but rather an interpretive account, drawing attention to areas of consensus and points of difference. It is hoped that the publication will serve as a starting point for further discussion, and a prompt for consideration of how best to carry the bilateral relationship forward.