New Zealand apology explains a lot about

China's economic success has changed the world. No longer isolated, China has become integrated into the global economy and, therefore, into global affairs.

China's exports are enabling emerging nations to improve their standards of living. Its massive demand for quality imported products makes it a key market for many multinationals, while its appetite for commodities has become essential to the health of many national economies, including poor ones.

One recent political and diplomatic decision highlights this new interconnected economic world order.