James Skinner
James is the Founder & Chief Executive of
CANZUK International in Vancouver, Canada
The Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand have vowed to pursue closer ties and take Trans-Tasman relations to “a new level” through greater collaboration on regional security.
Newly elected Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, said the two countries shared concerns about the Pacific as China pushes to expand its influence in the region.
“We’re in lockstep on the Pacific,” he told reporters in Sydney at a news conference with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. “The prime minister and I are determined to take Trans-Tasman relations to a new level.”
China recently struck a security pact with the Solomon Islands – a major concern for Australia and New Zealand, who have long seen the Pacific islands as largely under their sphere of influence. China, however, has dismissed all concerns and is pressing ahead saying it poses no military threat.
Ardern, the first foreign leader to visit Australia since its election, welcomed Australia’s stance on China, adding that Albanese’s election win in May signaled “an opportunity for a reset” of their relations.
The commitment from both Australia and New Zealand also comes shortly after polling by CANZUK International in January revealed strong support amongst New Zealand adults for developing a CANZUK security partnership. 59% of respondents either somewhat agreed or strongly agreed with the proposition. In comparison, 33% either somewhat disagreed or strongly disagreed, and 8% did not know.
The full polling results can be viewed here.
CANZUK International welcomes the announcement issued by Australia and New Zealand on furthering security ties and looks forward to working with the new government of Australia moving forward.
Photo: Mark Baker/Pool via Reuters
“We’re in lockstep on the Pacific,” he told reporters in Sydney at a news conference with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. “The prime minister and I are determined to take Trans-Tasman relations to a new level.”
China recently struck a security pact with the Solomon Islands – a major concern for Australia and New Zealand, who have long seen the Pacific islands as largely under their sphere of influence. China, however, has dismissed all concerns and is pressing ahead saying it poses no military threat.
Ardern, the first foreign leader to visit Australia since its election, welcomed Australia’s stance on China, adding that Albanese’s election win in May signaled “an opportunity for a reset” of their relations.
The commitment from both Australia and New Zealand also comes shortly after polling by CANZUK International in January revealed strong support amongst New Zealand adults for developing a CANZUK security partnership. 59% of respondents either somewhat agreed or strongly agreed with the proposition. In comparison, 33% either somewhat disagreed or strongly disagreed, and 8% did not know.
The full polling results can be viewed here.
CANZUK International welcomes the announcement issued by Australia and New Zealand on furthering security ties and looks forward to working with the new government of Australia moving forward.
Photo: Mark Baker/Pool via Reuters
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