US-New Zealand to augment cooperation given increasing tension with

Wellington: Tension has been created in the Indo-Pacific sector given the increasing hegemonic Chinese activities. Against this background, the United States and New Zealand have agreed to increase defence-related cooperation. The Chief of the US Indo-Pacific command visited New Zealand to discuss the matter.

Last month, China attempted to establish special cooperation with the small island countries in the Indo-Pacific region. Australia and New Zealand had objected to the cooperation established between China and island countries like the Solomon Islands. Both the countries said that the Chinese military investment in this sector is a threat to their security. After that, the United States sent a special envoy on a visit to the Island countries.

In this scenario, Admiral John Aquilino, Chief of the US Indo-Pacific Command, reached New Zealand on Monday. Air Marshal Kevin Short, the defence chief of New Zealand, held talks with Admiral Aquilino. It is revealed that an agreement was reached for increasing defence cooperation between the two countries. Admiral Aquilino said that this cooperation is vital for the security of peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific sector.

Meanwhile, the Chief of the US Indo-Pacific Command, who is visiting New Zealand, issued a warning to China. Admiral Aquilino warned ‘The United States is a Pacific country. Therefore, whatever you do, the United States will always be present in this sector.’