This moring, we had the privilege of hearing from David Mahon, one of New Zealand’s most respected commentators on China and global affairs. His insights were both sobering and energising for those of us working at the intersection of trade, business, and geopolitics. Some of David’s insights included: • We are living through a major global power shift – with Asia, led by China, emerging as the world’s economic centre, while the U.S. enters a period of relative decline. • The U.S.–China relationship will remain tense, but interdependent. U.S. attempts to contain China have largely failed, as China has diversified and strengthened its position in Asia and beyond. • China’s economy, despite media headlines, continues to grow and transform – moving from property reliance to technology, advanced manufacturing, and services, with strong household savings and global competitiveness. • For New Zealand, credibility depends on pragmatism and independence. Our strength lies not in following Washington or Brussels, but in being a trusted and flexible Asia-Pacific economy. David’s challenge to NZ Exporters: Avoid being caught in rhetoric and alliances that don’t serve our long-term interests. Instead, lean into our history of independence, fairness, and creativity – values that continue to give New Zealand influence and opportunity in Asia. A timely reminder that our future is not about looking back to declining powers, but about engaging with the world as it is becoming. ExportNZ EMA BusinessNZ David Mahon Joshua Tan
Thanks for joining us. Great to have you there.
Executive Director at ExportNZ | BusinessNZ
3wGreat recap, Simon. Thanks for coming down for the discussion!