New Zealand’s government has announced its intention to enhance its defense capabilities to address security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
The announcement follows China’s continuous investment in the expansion and modernization of its military forces and its growing ability to deploy military and paramilitary forces throughout the region.
The New Zealand Ministry of Defence’s 36-page policy document highlights the need to improve combat operations effectiveness and more actively defend the security environment in the Indo-Pacific.
Concerns were raised regarding China’s assertive position, which may challenge existing international rules and norms.
The Indo-Pacific, a significant passage for global maritime trade, has witnessed territorial disputes and underlying issues related to Taiwan, considered by China as a rebellious province.
China’s security pact with the Solomon Islands and other agreements have intensified competition between China and the U.S. and its allies.
In response to China, the U.S., the UK, and Australia formed the AUKUS security pact in 2021.
New Zealand, a non-nuclear nation, is considering technological adherence to this pact.
The New Zealand Defense statement emphasizes investing in international security partnerships without specific mention of intentions regarding AUKUS.
Alongside the defense document, the New Zealand government also published its review of National Security, covering issues like climate crisis and counter-terrorism, reflecting changing national and international security environments.