Originally Posted by
Blue Skies
I think you'll find its not just RNZ saying the AUKUS agreement will result in good outcomes for NZ. Many business commentators were quick to point this out & other media are too.
Why? Because how do you think China will react to those countries who are behaving increasingly belligerently toward China, (and remember the US,UK & Australia were the first & most eager to invade Iraq & Afghanistan)?
With China buying around a third of our exports, NZ would want to think seriously before joining this military alliance against China.
Our independent stance looking increasingly like being rewarded by China while Australia punished further.
You only have to look at how much better the NZ economy has faired recently than the Australian economy with it's muscular attitude to China (& resulting falling exports of Iron ore & other exports to China) .
You would not want to be heavily invested in any Australian company dependent on exports to China after this.
Whereas NZ is likely to benefit.
Was it just coincidence later the same day this was announced, MFAT received a formal request from China to join the CPTPP ?
So I think the accusation the RNZ is spinning a story linked to a bribe from the govt is a wee bit off the mark.
BTW, even Keating has said Australia's obsession with nuclear submarines is absurd , the sub's projected to cost about $90 billion plus $145 billion to maintain over their life cycle.
What's NZ's entire defence budget, about $4 billion?