New Zealand discussing opportunities with AUKUS partners

New Zealand has confirmed its interest in the Pillar 2, technology sharing, aspect of the AUKUS military pact, disclosing it is in discussions with the partners.

‘New Zealand is currently involved in discussions with AUKUS partners over the potential opportunities that might exist under AUKUS Pillar 2, a technology sharing mechanism,’ Foreign Minister Winston Peters said in a speech in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, 13 May.

In his speech, titled ‘The Pacific family of nations – the changing security outlook,’ Peters cautioned that discussions are at a very early stage.

‘While we are a long way from being invited to participate in Pillar 2’s technology sharing arrangement, as a responsible government we are exploring its economic and security benefits,’ he said.

Since the signing of the 2021 pact, under which Australia would get US nuclear-powered subs and the United States will share nuclear secrets with another country for the first time,  there have also been reports of other countries also seeking opportunities to benefit from the pact.

Early in May, South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik said in Australia that his country is considering sharing advanced military technology with the three AUKUS partners.

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/pacific-family-nations-changing-security-outlook