Amid growing competition between global powers for influence in the Pacific, New Zealand’s army chief, Major General Rose King, has highlighted that Pacific Island nations often receive military aid that doesn’t address their actual needs.
In an interview with the Associated Press, King emphasized New Zealand’s commitment to fostering “diversity of thought” and honest relationships through decades of training partnerships with Pacific soldiers.
As larger nations like the U.S. and China seek to strengthen their presence, King noted that “lots of people are offering help, but it’s not necessarily the help they want or need.” While New Zealand lacks significant military power, it has long built trust through its culturally aligned, small-scale approach to Pacific cooperation.
King, who became New Zealand’s first female army chief in June, acknowledged that larger powers, including the U.S. and Australia, often misalign their training offers with the region’s specific needs. Analysts agree, suggesting New Zealand’s more adaptable, culturally connected approach could serve as a model for others.
Despite New Zealand’s low military spending and high attrition rates, its soft power strategy in the Pacific remains significant. King underscored the growing demand for humanitarian aid as climate change increasingly impacts the region, reinforcing the need for more thoughtful and effective international cooperation.
Source: PACNEWS