Vantage | Why New Zealand's interest in AUKUS has China worried

In recent developments, the AUKUS alliance, formed in 2021 between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, is at the centre of international attention as New Zealand expresses interest in joining. The trilateral security agreement aims to enhance security in the Indo-Pacific region, but China vehemently opposes its expansion.

Foundation of AUKUS AUKUS, named after its founding members, goes beyond a traditional security pact. In addition to enhancing security in the Indo-Pacific, the alliance involves a significant arms deal. Australia is set to receive eight nuclear submarines through a deal worth nearly $370 billion with the first submarine expected to be delivered in the late 2030s. This military collaboration has broader implications for the strategic balance in the region. China views AUKUS as a direct threat with Beijing labelling the alliance’s expansion as a “wrong and dangerous path.” The Chinese government expresses concern over the alliance’s impact on peace and harmony in the region. As tensions rise, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin criticises the alliance accusing the United States, Britain and Australia of ignoring international concerns. “For their own geopolitical interests, the United States, Britain and Australia ignore the concerns of the international community and go further down a wrong and dangerous path,” said Wang. New Zealand’s interest and Australia’s response Despite China’s objections, New Zealand has shown keen interest in joining AUKUS, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in a changing geopolitical landscape. “Increasingly the rules-based order which we rely on as democratic countries is under threat, and in this complicated strategic environment, one thing is crystal clear: Australia is our closest friend and partner, it’s our family and we are stronger when we work together.” said New Zealand’s Defence Minister Judith Collins. Australia welcomed New Zealand’s interest, agreeing to send a team to brief them on AUKUS developments, particularly regarding the proposed expansion known as “Pillar Two.” “And finally we have agreed to send a team to New Zealand to brief them on developments in relation to AUKUS and particularly AUKUS pillar two. I think the content and the manner in which we’ve spoken today really does reflect two countries which have a very shared view of the world and a shared sense of how both of us need to go about our business in terms of working in the world,” said Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles. As AUKUS contemplates expansion, including Japan and India in its ranks, China remains wary of the alliance’s growing influence. AUKUS plans extend beyond nuclear submarines, encompassing hypersonic missiles and advanced radar technology. The alliance’s focus on military capabilities and interoperability raises concerns for China, which finds itself increasingly isolated due to its aggressive actions in the South China Sea. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.