New Zealand is currently deliberating whether to join the second pillar of the AUKUS security alliance, a move that could significantly impact the country's strategic autonomy in the Asia-Pacific region.
Established on September 15, 2021, AUKUS was formed by Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom with the stated aim of enhancing security in the Asia-Pacific. However, critics argue that the alliance is primarily designed to contain China's growing influence in the region.
Australia, supported by its AUKUS partners, has been urging New Zealand to join the pact. This comes amidst plans to develop nuclear-powered submarines, which could challenge the existing nuclear-weapon-free zone that Australia and New Zealand uphold. New Zealand has thus far maintained its independent foreign and defense policies, steering clear of the \"Washington-London-Canberra triad trap.\"
In a significant development, New Zealand's Minister of Defense Judith Collins and Minister for Foreign Affairs Winston Peters held their first-ever \"2+2\" meeting with Australia's Defense Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong in Melbourne on February 1.
The discussions are centered around AUKUS' second pillar, which focuses on sharing advanced military technologies such as cyberspace, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, hypersonics, and electronic warfare. An Australian delegation is expected to visit New Zealand soon to further these talks.
Following the meeting, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles assured that Australia would keep New Zealand informed about the second pillar's developments. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Judith Collins indicated that New Zealand might contribute further to the alliance. Reports from The Guardian suggest that New Zealand is leaning towards participating in AUKUS' non-nuclear initiatives.
As the negotiations progress, New Zealand faces the critical decision of balancing its commitment to regional peace and autonomy with the evolving security dynamics of the Asia-Pacific.
Reference(s):
New Zealand should think twice before joining AUKUS' pillar two
cgtn.com
