New Zealand considers joining Australia and Fiji defence alliance

New Zealand is considering becoming part of a new defence alliance between Australia and Fiji.

New Zealand is considering becoming part of a new defence alliance between Australia and Fiji, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said on Thursday. The proposed move would strengthen military cooperation among Pacific nations at a time of growing concern over regional security and China’s increasing presence in the Pacific.

The Ocean of Peace Alliance was signed by Australia and Fiji earlier this week. The agreement makes Fiji one of Australia’s few formal treaty allies and commits both countries to support each other in the event of a security threat. The pact also allows other Pacific nations with military forces to join in the future.

Luxon welcomed the agreement and said New Zealand was open to taking part. He noted that New Zealand already has close defence ties with both Australia and Fiji and regularly works with them on regional security matters. According to the prime minister, joining the alliance would be a natural step towards strengthening cooperation and promoting stability across the Pacific.

New Zealand shares a long standing military partnership with Australia and has maintained strong political and security relations with Fiji for many years. Luxon said the three countries already cooperate on a range of defence and security issues and that closer coordination would benefit the wider region.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters also expressed support for the alliance, saying Pacific nations have consistently called for regional security to be managed by countries within the Pacific rather than by outside powers. He said a stronger partnership with Australia, Fiji and other Pacific states would help improve regional cooperation and create a more united approach to shared challenges.

Defence Minister Chris Penk described the alliance as an opportunity to build greater unity among Pacific countries. He said stronger defence partnerships would improve coordination and help address future security concerns across the region.

The announcement comes shortly after China conducted a test of a long range ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. The missile landed in the Pacific Ocean only hours after Australia and Fiji signed their defence agreement. The test has increased concerns among several Pacific governments about rising military activity in the region.

Peters criticised the missile launch earlier this week, saying it went against the wishes of Pacific nations that have repeatedly called for the region to remain peaceful. He warned that the Pacific should not become an area of military competition between major world powers and described the launch as harmful to regional stability.

New Zealand has become increasingly vocal about China’s expanding military presence in the Pacific. Last month, an internal Defence Force document obtained by media suggested that Chinese naval deployments and ballistic missile tests are expected to become a regular feature of the region in the coming years. Officials believe this changing security environment requires closer cooperation among Pacific partners.

Australia has also been strengthening its relationships with Pacific island nations as competition for influence in the region grows. Canberra has signed a series of security and economic agreements with neighbouring countries in recent years while seeking to counter China’s expanding diplomatic and military reach.

Although New Zealand has not yet confirmed whether it will formally join the Ocean of Peace Alliance, government leaders have indicated they view the proposal positively. Any decision to become a member is expected to follow further discussions with Australia, Fiji and other Pacific partners as they work to strengthen regional security and maintain stability across the South Pacific.