New Zealand Considers Joining Australia-Fiji Defense Pact, Aiming to Counter China

WELLINGTON, July 9 (CNA) -- New Zealand is considering joining the "Ocean of Peace Alliance," a mutual defense agreement signed by Australia and Fiji, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said today.

According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), the Ocean of Peace Alliance elevates Fiji to the status of one of Australia's few treaty allies. Under the agreement, if either party is attacked, the other is obligated to come to their "mutual defense." Australia and Fiji have also stated that they welcome other Pacific nations with armed forces to join.

Luxon said today that New Zealand welcomes the signing of the pact between Australia and Fiji to become military allies. He also emphasized that the relationship between New Zealand and Australia is close, with their military alliance growing stronger; the relationship between New Zealand and Fiji is also long-standing and solid.

Luxon further stated that New Zealand has discussed with Australia and Fiji "how to make the Pacific region safer for everyone," so cooperating with the two countries by joining the Ocean of Peace Alliance is "logical."

Australia is attempting to surpass China's influence in the South Pacific. Just hours after Australia and Fiji signed their mutual defense agreement on July 6, China test-fired a nuclear-capable long-range ballistic missile towards the Pacific.

New Zealand's Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters stated on the same day that China's action was not desired by Pacific nations and went against the stability and peace of the South Pacific.

He also said today that Pacific island leaders have long sought a regionally-led response to regional security, and if New Zealand can join the Ocean of Peace Alliance to "enhance long-standing relationships with Australia, Fiji, and other Pacific nations, it means we will become even closer partners."

New Zealand's Minister of Defence Chris Penk also stated today that the Ocean of Peace Alliance would be "an opportunity to promote unity in the Pacific region."

According to an internal New Zealand government document obtained by AFP in June, the New Zealand military had previously warned that China's naval raids and ballistic missile tests in the Pacific could become normalized. (Intern translator: Zhuo You-an / Editor: Chang Cheng-chiu) 0709

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