NZ issues Strategic Defence Policy
The Strategic Defence Policy statement launched by New Zealand’s Defence Minister Ron Mark on 6 July has brought together a foreign policy-led assessment of threats and priorities for the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).
It has two main aims. Firstly, the policy states the NZDF must be capable of operating in South Pacific, Southern Ocean and Antarctic areas to manage the impact of climate change and improve security.
Secondly it must be able to work alongside allies in areas beyond the Asia-Pacific region, and contribute to maintaining the international rules-based order.
The statement highlighted China’s growing influence in the region
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