New Zealand signals shift in China stance by opening door to AUKUS

Diplomat indicates willingness to collaborate on technology outside of nuclear subs

20211102N Ardern & Morrison

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern meets with visiting Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in May 2021. © AAPIMAGE 

FUMI MATSUMOTO, Nikkei staff writer

SYDNEY -- New Zealand has indicated that it may cooperate with the AUKUS defense agreement between Australia, the U.K. and the U.S., a move that would be a change in the country's relatively friendly policy toward China.

Annette King, New Zealand's top diplomat to Australia, said Wellington is open to collaborating on quantum computing, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies -- one of the areas covered by the pact.

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