New Zealand will explore joining Australia and Fiji's new defence pact, days after its signing was followed by China firing a nuclear-capable missile into the South Pacific.
The Government announced this afternoon it would engage with both countries "on the possibility of joining" the Ocean of Peace Alliance, with a final decision to be made by Cabinet, followed by the usual process for treaties through Parliament.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon welcomed the alliance, signed by Australian PM Anthony Albanese and his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka in Suva on Monday.
"New Zealand and Australia share a close bond, with a military alliance that continues to go from strength to strength, and we also have a strong and enduring relationship with Fiji," he said in a written statement.
"We already work with both countries on how we can develop a safer region for all, so engaging with them on this alliance is logical."
The alliance is a mutual defence treaty committing its parties to cooperate, consult and "act to meet the common danger, in accordance with its domestic processes".
The weapon was fired hours after Australia signed an elevated defence deal with Fiji. (Source: 1News)
Other Pacific states can join with the agreement of Australia and Fiji.
It is Fiji's first military alliance and Australia's fourth – following the ANZUS Treaty with New Zealand and the US, and a bilateral treaty signed with Papua New Guinea last year.
Hours after Monday's signing, China test-fired a long-range ballistic missile from a submarine into the South Pacific – a move that New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters described at the time as "deeply concerning".
A spokesperson for China's Foreign Affairs Ministry said earlier this week the launch had been conducted under its annual military training programme and was carried out in a "safe, standardised, and professional manner".
New Zealand was warned that China planned to fire a missile into the South Pacific Ocean only hours before the launch, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said. (Source: 1News)
The spokesperson said it was "not directed at any specific country or target" and urged relevant countries to "refrain from over-interpreting this activity."
But the test drew swift condemnation across the region.
Speaking to media on Monday, Luxon said New Zealand joining the alliance early would be advantageous – in part because it would give the country a say in which other Pacific nations could eventually accede.
Announcing today's move, Peters said Pacific leaders had for decades favoured Pacific-led responses to regional security issues, and the alliance underscored 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."
Defence Minister Chris Penk said the opportunity for further cooperation in the Pacific coincided with New Zealand and Australia marking 75 years of their alliance.
"New Zealand values the opportunity to grow Pacific unity and build stronger defence and security partnerships within our region. We are committed to the implementation of deeper defence and security cooperation with Fiji," he said.
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