Australia, New Zealand to form new defence group amid ‘most dangerous time’ as Iran, China threats loom

Senior Australian and New Zealand ministers have emerged from talks pledging deeper defence co-operation in a world made more dangerous by the escalating “crisis” in the Middle East. Defence Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong hosted their New Zealand counterparts for annual ANZMIN talks in Canberra on Tuesday. Speaking at a post meeting press conference, Mr Marles praised the trans-Tasman alliance as “profoundly important” amid conflicts on multiple continents. “Today’s ANZMIN meeting happens against the backdrop of conflict in the Middle East but also a very volatile world,” he told reporters. “It’s not lost on any of us that in the context of that world, it is profoundly important that in the community of nations, family, as we are, stick closely together.” Pointing to the close military ties between the Australia and New Zealand, he also announced a “force posture working group” to “look at every possible opportunity where our two defence forces can posture and work together”. “In respect of preparedness, we’re particularly focused in the world today on the question of readiness, and we’re looking at how we can co-operate more in respect of both of our defence forces operating under a similar concept of readiness,” Mr Marles said. “We’re looking at how we can co-operate more in respect of resilience, particularly in respect of our strategic military stockpiles.” New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters echoed Mr Marles, saying the talks were “critical” to aligning positions “to tackle the challenges ahead”. “We spoke in detail about how we’ll work together on issues that matter most to our countries, and how we’ll chart a course towards a more peaceful, stable and prosperous world,” Mr Peters said. On the “escalating situation in the Middle East”, he said “we want this crisis to end as quickly as possible”. “New Zealand remains closely co-ordinated with Australia on the consular response, the trade and economic implications for our region, and geopolitical consequences,” he said. Mr Peters also highlighted “concerns around the instability facing the Indo-Pacific region”. Chinese militarism has spurred fears in Australia and New Zealand, with Mr Marles last year warning that Beijing’s rapid nuclear build-up was causing “security anxiety”. Those concerns have only been heightened by the Chinese military carrying out live-fire drills while circumnavigating Australia, buzzing RAAF planes in international airspace and simulating invasion of Taiwan. Senator Wong said there was “no context in which our partnership matters more” than in the Pacific. “We want a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, and we recognise the importance and the value that we place on the partnership between our countries towards achieving that,” she said. “It’s very important alliance.” The last to speak, New Zealand Defence Minister declared that “we live in the most dangerous time that I have ever known”. “And it’s so important to have good friends who you can rely on,” she said.