| ID | 190705 |
| Title Proper | New Zealand’s alliance obligations in a China-Australia war |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Ayson, Robert |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Amidst concerns that Australia may end up in a military confrontation with China, this article evaluates New Zealand’s formal and informal alliance obligations in such an event. In keeping with Wellington’s current declaratory policy, New Zealand’s obligations would be most pressing if the attack occurred on or near Australia, although these would be less clear if China favoured coercion over violence. New Zealand is also likely to have strong alliance obligations if Australian forces were attacked in the South Pacific, the leading area for Australia-New Zealand security cooperation. If Australian forces were attacked in East Asia, New Zealand may have some obligations under the trilateral ANZUS Treaty despite the suspension of Washington’s commitments to Wellington under the same agreement. While New Zealand’s military capacity to assist Australia in maritime East Asia is limited, this is where a serious clash involving Australian and Chinese forces seems most likely. Enlarging the geographical focus of the trans-Tasman alliance may be logical in this new setting, but it could also be hazardous. |
| `In' analytical Note | Australian Journal of International Affairs Vol. 77, No.3; Jun 2023: p.233-257 |
| Journal Source | Australian Journal of International Affairs Vol: 77 No 3 |
| Key Words | Alliances ; Anzus ; South China Sea ; East China Sea ; Taiwan Strait ; Australia - China Relations ; New Zealand - Australia Relations ; US – China Competition ; South Pacific Security |