New Zealand foreign policy experts believe that being excluded from the AUKUS security pact will benefit the country’s strategic interests, including improving its relationship with China. The AUKUS agreement, which saw Australia acquire nuclear submarines with the help of the United States and the United Kingdom, has raised concerns among New Zealand’s political leaders about the country’s security, especially since Australia is its only military ally. However, New Zealand’s long-standing non-nuclear stance meant that joining AUKUS was not an option. Former Prime Minister Helen Clark has publicly opposed the deal, saying it would be damaging to the country’s independent foreign policy.
Experts argue that New Zealand’s exclusion from the pact will provide it with an opportunity to strengthen its relationships with countries in Southeast Asia, which may be more cautious about the AUKUS alliance. New Zealand’s diplomatic dividend could extend to the Pacific, as Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta stresses the country’s “Pacific-led approach” to regional issues. University of Otago professor Robert Patman believes that New Zealand can benefit from a more nuanced relationship with China and other countries skeptical of the AUKUS agreement.
Despite concerns from some New Zealand political leaders about the country’s security, others believe that being outside AUKUS will force the country to increase its maritime defence spending. The country’s fourth or fifth largest exclusive economic zone in the world is in need of greater investment in maritime capabilities, says Patman, adding that more countries will compete for resources in the future. Winston Peters, New Zealand’s veteran foreign minister, said there was a need for increased military investment in the country and rejected the idea that the AUKUS deal made New Zealand less safe.
