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New Zealand and Australia's prime ministers met in Queenstown to discuss closer military cooperation, driven by China's recent live-fire drills near their shores. Both leaders emphasized the need for stronger interoperability and a more robust Anzac force to address the increasingly unpredictable regional security environment. While not explicitly mentioning China, the joint statement acknowledged discussions about their most important trading partner and their similar approaches to engaging with China. The meeting follows significant defense spending increases in both countries and reflects growing strategic partnerships with Japan and the U.S. under AUKUS.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.