James Skinner
James is the Founder & Chief Executive of
CANZUK International in Vancouver, Canada
New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, is set to engage in discussions with Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, on Wednesday, with a primary focus on bolstering security in the Pacific region.
Luxon, who is undertaking his first official trip abroad since taking office on November 27th, will meet Albanese in Sydney to strengthen ties with Australia.
In anticipation of the talks, Luxon emphasized the importance of enhancing the security and defense relationship between the two nations, recognizing the contested nature of the current geopolitical landscape.
In anticipation of the talks, Luxon emphasized the importance of enhancing the security and defense relationship between the two nations, recognizing the contested nature of the current geopolitical landscape.
Luxon’s administration, a coalition comprising three center-right parties, has indicated a desire to align more closely with traditional partners such as Australia, the UK, and Canada. These countries form the Five Eyes alliance with the United States, sharing intelligence for mutual security.
Recent developments, including the Solomon Islands’ unexpected security agreement with Beijing in early 2022, have heightened concerns about China’s growing influence in the Pacific region. In response, the US, Australia, and New Zealand have significantly increased their engagement with Pacific nations.
Winston Peters, New Zealand’s Foreign Minister and leader of the nationalist New Zealand First party, applauded the renewed engagement in the Pacific amid what he described as “intensified geo-strategic competition.”
Luxon has made reassurances that New Zealand will not neglect key relationships, and not taking partnerships with Australia, the US, and China for granted. Luxon also reiterated New Zealand’s current stance on the non-nuclear pillar of the AUKUS alliance involving the US, the UK, and Australia. While open to exploring opportunities within the alliance, he clarified that no commitments have been made at this point.
CANZUK International welcomes the commencement of engagements between Australia and New Zealand regarding security in the Pacific region, and will continue to engage with the newly elected New Zealand government on matters of importance to CANZUK, including trade, freedom of movement for CANZUK citizens, and defence.
Recent developments, including the Solomon Islands’ unexpected security agreement with Beijing in early 2022, have heightened concerns about China’s growing influence in the Pacific region. In response, the US, Australia, and New Zealand have significantly increased their engagement with Pacific nations.
Winston Peters, New Zealand’s Foreign Minister and leader of the nationalist New Zealand First party, applauded the renewed engagement in the Pacific amid what he described as “intensified geo-strategic competition.”
Luxon has made reassurances that New Zealand will not neglect key relationships, and not taking partnerships with Australia, the US, and China for granted. Luxon also reiterated New Zealand’s current stance on the non-nuclear pillar of the AUKUS alliance involving the US, the UK, and Australia. While open to exploring opportunities within the alliance, he clarified that no commitments have been made at this point.
CANZUK International welcomes the commencement of engagements between Australia and New Zealand regarding security in the Pacific region, and will continue to engage with the newly elected New Zealand government on matters of importance to CANZUK, including trade, freedom of movement for CANZUK citizens, and defence.
Heading photo: EFE/EPA/MARK COOTE AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT
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