Review: New Zealand Must Boost Defense Spending

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Facts

  • On Friday, New Zealand introduced its first-ever national security strategy alongside the first phase of a defense review, calling for more spending on its military and the strengthening of ties with countries in the Indo-Pacific.1
  • Presented by Defense Minister Andrew Little, the review said that the island nation must boost its military budget from approximately 1% of the nation's GDP to nearly 2%.2
  • The analysis further concluded that New Zealand's defense "is not in a fit state to respond to future challenges," adding that its primary function is currently to provide aid during natural disasters or peacekeeping missions.3
  • The National Security Strategy references China, alleging that it's becoming "more assertive and more willing to challenge existing international rules and norms" and is using "economic coercion" to reach its goals.4
  • According to Little, replacing navy frigates and patrol vessels is among the urgent reforms needed. He also added that the nation has seen a spike in domestic threats such as misinformation, cyberattacks, and terrorism.5
  • The review also emphasized the importance of stronger ties with Australia and other partners in the region, including the US. Wellington banned nuclear-armed and nuclear-powered ships from its waters in 1984, meaning no US Navy warships could enter its territory.6

Sources: 1US News & World Report, 2ABC News, 3DW, 4Responsible Statecraft, 5VOA, and 6Reuters.

Narratives

  • Anti-China narrative, as provided by RNZ. The wording, the overall tone, and the substance of the new National Security Strategy represent a historic shift. China's aggression has been — and continues to be — a major concern as it elbows its way in the Indo-Pacific, forcing New Zealand to take the necessary steps to become combat-ready. This review is long overdue.
  • Pro-China narrative, as provided by Global Times. New Zealand has maintained warmer relations with Beijing than many of its Western allies amid rising global tensions. PM Chris Hipkins's recent visit to Beijing showed that he's interested in stabilizing and improving relations with China. However, this latest analysis may be the first sign that Wellington has lost its ability to think for itself and is now echoing the US' strategy toward Beijing.