Foreign Minister: New Zealand Seeks to Strengthen US Ties

story

NOV 2023

Image copyright: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images News via Getty Images

story last updated JAN 31

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

New Zealand must reaffirm its ties with the United States to strengthen the union of liberal democracy worldwide, and ensure global security. New Zealand is already a member of the Five Eyes intelligence group, and should heavily consider becoming part of AUKUS' second stage. While a reaction from China is inevitable, Auckland must expand its limited foreign policy beyond a dependency on its Australian neighbor.

The Diplomat

Pro-China narrative

Luxon's new coalition government cannot magically restore the country's economy, and so the Prime Minister would be wise to keep the ideologically driven, pro-US wing of the government in check with China remaining New Zealand's dominant trading partner. There is hope that there will be continuity in Auckland's foreign policy, although the country's three-party coalition may prove to be unpredictable.

Chinadaily.com.cn