WELLINGTON, July 9 - New Zealand will consider joining a defence alliance between Australia and Fiji that both countries entered earlier this week, said its Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
Australia and Fiji signed a major defence treaty, the Ocean of Peace Alliance, on Monday, committing each country to come to the other's aid if either is attacked as Australia works to counter China's growing influence in the region.
The treaty marks Fiji's first-ever alliance, making it Australia's fourth formal ally, after the United States, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.
The agreement allows for other Pacific states to join.
New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters added in the statement that Pacific leaders have for decades operated under a Pacific-led approach to regional security issues, and this alliance underscores 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," he said.
New Zealand currently has only one formal ally, Australia, although it is a member of the Five Eyes intelligence grouping and a key partner of NATO.
Wellington will now discuss its interest in membership with Australia and Fiji, and any final decision would be made by Cabinet.
The announcement follows China's military test-firing a missile from a nuclear-powered submarine into the Pacific on Monday, which leaders across have reacted to with concern.
