During the 1970s New Zealand made significant changes in its foreign policy. Relations with United Kingdom – previously pivotal – had lost their importance due to the British entrance to the European Economic Community in 1973. Necessity of finding new markets for export led to increased interest in Asia. This economic factor greatly surpassed the political ones: fear of remilitarisation of Japan, concept of ‘far defence’ and close cooperation with United States which included following its policy towards China. Recognising the importance of Asia markets allowed New Zealand to defi ne main partners – Japan, China and ASEAN countries – and to overcome the prior fear of Asian threat.