Army Chief of New Zealand Discusses Pacific Influence and Military Support

New Zealand Army Chief Raises Concerns Over Pacific Nations’ Support Amid Great Power Competition

In a recent interview with The Associated Press, Major General Rose King, the army chief of New Zealand, expressed concerns about the support being offered to Pacific Island nations by larger powers like the U.S. and China. According to King, some of the assistance being provided may not align with the needs and preferences of the tiny island nations in the region.

Amid what she described as a “great power competition” for influence in the Pacific, King highlighted the importance of building trust and fostering diverse relationships with training partners in the South Pacific Ocean. New Zealand, known for its soft power approach and cultural ties with the Pacific, has long focused on developing personal connections and understanding the unique challenges faced by smaller nations in the region.

While China’s growing influence in the Pacific has raised concerns among Western powers, including the U.S. and Australia, King emphasized the importance of listening to the needs of Pacific nations and adapting support accordingly. She noted that New Zealand’s small military footprint presents challenges, but also opportunities for building stronger relationships and promoting regional stability.

As the first woman to lead a branch of the New Zealand military, King also addressed the need for greater diversity and inclusion within the armed forces. She highlighted the importance of increasing the representation of women in the army and addressing cultural challenges, such as identifying and preventing extremist views among service members.

In the face of evolving threats, including state-on-state conflicts and climate change, King emphasized the importance of upholding the international rules-based order and working collaboratively to address shared challenges. Despite the pressures facing the New Zealand army, King remains optimistic about the country’s ability to adapt and respond to the changing security landscape in the Pacific region.