New Zealand a 'Long Way' From Deciding on AUKUS Defense Pact
New Zealand a 'Long Way' From Deciding on AUKUS Defense Pact
The Facts
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said Wednesday that his country was "a long way" from deciding on joining the Australia-UK-US defense pact known as AUKUS, adding that the government was still conducting "information gathering discussions."
While he said his country wouldn't be joining any time soon, he did say it would be "irresponsible" not to consider joining AUKUS, arguing that the idea of an independent foreign policy has "seismically shifted."
The Spin
Under both liberal and conservative governments, New Zealand has acted as a US proxy for decades. After supporting both the Afghanistan and Iraq wars at the beginning of the century, and now training Ukrainian troops in the UK and backing Israel's bombardment of Gaza, it will be no surprise when Wellington joins this anti-China agreement. Whether it signs on to the nuclear submarine part of AUKUS or not, New Zealand seems willing to help start a new war with China.
It makes sense for New Zealand to join AUKUS for several reasons. Not only do Western countries account for most of its trade partners, but China has imposed sanctions on the small island since 2020. Given that its economy is far too small to fund a completely independent defense budget, it's also obvious that Wellington would benefit significantly from joining a military pact. If New Zealand wants to deter China's threats, its best option is to join the pact.
