New Zealand to Boost Defense Capability as China Eyes Pacific
- Government lays out roadmap for new security goals, strategies
- Vows to protect defense interests particularly in the Pacific
The HMNZS Aotearoa in the harbor at Auckland, New Zealand.
Photographer: Dave Rowland/Getty Images AsiaPacThis article is for subscribers only.
New Zealand said it will invest in a “combat-capable” defense force and protect its interests in the Pacific as China seeks more influence in region.
Releasing policy documents Friday in Wellington that set out the government’s new defense goals and strategies, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Defence Minister Andrew Little said New Zealand is facing more geostrategic challenges than it has in decades.