6 Aug 2019

NZ's policy 'balancing act' between US, China - analysis

From Morning Report, 8:49 am on 6 August 2019

The United States Defence Secretary, Mark Esper, says New Zealand's contribution to Pacific security and freedom is greatly appreciated.

Mr Esper, who was sworn in two weeks ago, arrived in New Zealand on Monday for talks with his Kiwi counterpart, Ron Mark.

He says the US has an enduring commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, which he describes as a priority theatre.

He told Mr Mark he's confident the allies can meet the needs of a complex international security environment with the same spirit of unity as in the past.

Professor Robert Ayson is with the Centre for Strategic Studies, at Victoria University. He talks to Corin Dann.