AUKUS and cyber-security in talks as New Zealand, Germany unite

TLDR:

• Germany’s Foreign Minister discussed cyber-security benefits of New Zealand aligning with AUKUS during her visit.
• New Zealand is considering joining the second pillar of AUKUS to share advanced technologies.

Germany’s Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, highlighted the cyber-security benefits of New Zealand aligning with AUKUS during her official visit. AUKUS is a military alliance between the US, UK, and Australia, aimed at pushing back against China’s growing assertiveness in the Pacific. While New Zealand has a nuclear-free policy and may not join AUKUS at that level, it is exploring joining the second pillar, focusing on sharing advanced technologies. Baerbock’s visit to New Zealand follows her endorsement of the AUKUS deal in Australia, where she emphasized the need to cooperate on different levels to tackle common threats. The potential for New Zealand to join AUKUS has sparked controversy due to its nuclear-free policy and concerns about provoking China, a key trading partner.

Moreover, Baerbock highlighted the importance of protecting the rules-based international order and addressing cyber espionage threats. Recent cyber-attacks on New Zealand, including a breach of Parliament by a Chinese state-backed group, have raised concerns about cybersecurity. The Government is yet to address another cyber-attack by a different Chinese state-backed group that targeted members of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China. Spy officials have confirmed the cyber-attack and are investigating the notification steps taken. Labour MP Ingrid Leary emphasized the need for stronger security measures to protect New Zealand’s sovereignty.