The New Zealand government has ruled out the country joining a defense pact between Australia, the United Kingdom and the USA in the short term. This concerns the possible participation in the Aukus alliance, an agreement between English-speaking countries for the joint development of advanced military technologies such as artificial intelligence, submarines and hypersonic missiles.

"The foundations of New Zealand's foreign policy that have underpinned New Zealand's foreign, trade and economic policies in decades past have seismically shifted in the first quarter of the 21st century", have "seismically changed", but it would be "irresponsible" to part of the government will not explore deeper defense cooperation with allies, said New Zealand's foreign minister, Winston Peters. 

Critics, including former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, argue that participation in the deal would threaten New Zealand's sovereignty and damage relations with China. Peters, however, reiterated that the argument is "outdated", as "the strategic environment of the Pacific region is not benign, far from it. Inexorable pressure is being exerted on it, while beachheads are sought and the flu". 

"New Zealand's long history of parsimony in defense matters cannot stand if we want to continue to gain the respect and influence of others", Peters concluded. "We also need to carefully examine what benefits, if any, we might offer or are expected to offer in return from Pillar 2 partners. This will take time" to "carefully weigh the benefits and costs".