Approach with caution: why NZ should be wary of buying into the AUKUS security pact

AUKUS is the 2021 agreement between Australia, the UK and the US for the “exchange of naval nuclear propulsion information”.

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The ConversationThe Conversation
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https://theconversation.com/approach-with-caution-why-nz-should-be-wary-of-buying-into-the-aukus-security-pact-203915https://theconversation.com/approach-with-caution-why-nz-should-be-wary-of-buying-into-the-aukus-security-pact-203915
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星期二, 四月 18, 2023
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United Nations Security Council, Technology, Cold War, WW1, Post–Cold War era, Partnership, Face, Anglo-French Wars, AUKUS, Government, Five Eyes, Free and Open Indo-Pacific, Risk, UN, Assertiveness, Illusion, Artificial intelligence, Climate, UN Security Council Sanctions Committee on North Korea, International law, Labour, Arms industry, Risk management, Renewable energy, Consultant, Dairy, Airline, Tourism, Financial adviser, EU
Geotags: 
TAIWAN, AUSTRALIA, VIETNAM, CHINA, NEW ZEALAND, UNITED STATES, INDONESIA, US, GERMANY, FINLAND, MALAYSIA, NZ, UK, FRANCE
摘要
Key Points: 
  • AUKUS is the 2021 agreement between Australia, the UK and the US for the “exchange of naval nuclear propulsion information”.
  • It has been presented as the foundation for an enhanced security partnership linked to a “free and open Indo-Pacific” and a rules-based international order.
  • AUKUS also envisages the sharing of information in cutting-edge defence technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum capabilities and cybersecurity.

The argument for AUKUS

    • Read more:
      As Australia signs up for nuclear subs, NZ faces hard decisions over the AUKUS alliance

      A growing arms race and points of extreme geopolitical tension, from North Korea to Taiwan, highlight the need for an arrangement like AUKUS to provide a counterweight of like-minded partners to ensure greater stability.

    • In this climate, the argument goes, New Zealand’s preferred option of “hedging” between the superpowers has been squeezed.
    • Given New Zealand’s history, liberal democratic values and existing security ties with the AUKUS partners, it makes sense for Wellington to align with the agreement’s long-term strategy to deter and contain China’s expanding military power.

The argument against AUKUS

    • But they seem to have little confidence that AUKUS, a security arrangement involving three English-speaking states, is capable of a serious response in a region inhabited by billions of people.
    • Read more:
      Paul Keating lashes Albanese government over AUKUS, calling it Labor's biggest failure since WW1

      Furthermore, while China’s global ambitions are real, they should not be over-hyped.

    • Besides, AUKUS will not be able to do much in the short term to counter China’s designs on Taiwan.

The case for caution

    • On balance, we believe the evidence points to New Zealand’s interests and values being best safeguarded by maintaining a cautious approach to AUKUS.
    • We accept New Zealand shares a great deal with Australia, the UK and the US, and should not be “neutral” in the face of authoritarian pressures from China.
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