New Zealand to consider joining Australia and Fiji in defence alliance, PM says

New Zealand will consider joining ​a defence alliance between Australia and Fiji ​that both countries entered earlier this week, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said on Thursday.

Australia and Fiji signed a major defence treaty, the Ocean of ‌Peace Alliance, ⁠on Monday, ⁠committing each country to come to the other's aid if either ​is attacked as Australia works to counter China's growing influence in the ​region.

The treaty marks Fiji's first-ever alliance, while the Pacific nation becomes Australia's fourth formal ally, after the U.S., New Zealand ​and Papua New Guinea.


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The agreement ⁠allows for other ‌Pacific states to join. New Zealand Foreign ​Affairs Minister ​Winston Peters added in the statement that ⁠Pacific leaders have for decades operated under an approach ​of having Pacific-led responses to regional security issues - ​and this alliance underscores that stance.

"Elevating our long-standing relationship with Australia and Fiji - and other Pacific nations - to the next level through an alliance would mean we become even closer partners," he said.

New Zealand currently only ‌has one formal ally, Australia, although it is a member of the Five Eyes intelligence grouping and ​is a ​key partner of ⁠NATO.

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The statement said the government would now discuss its interest in membership with Australia and Fiji, and any final decision would ​be made by cabinet.

The announcement follows China's military test-firing a missile from a nuclear-powered submarine into the Pacific on Monday, which leaders across have reacted to with concern.