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Asian Arms Race: New Zealand and US to expand defence ties
BBC – New Zealand and the US have signed an agreement to expand defence co-operation, signalling a further boost to ties between the two nations. The deal was signed in Washington by NZ Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman and US counterpart Leon Panetta. It will build on existing “significant security co-operation” between the two “within the context of our independent foreign policy”, Mr Coleman said. This will include maritime security and disaster relief, the Pentagon said. The US is also expanding defence ties with Australia, in a move seen by many as a bid to balance China’s increased influence in the region. In April the first contingent of US marines to be stationed in the northern city of Darwin arrived; the US will eventually deploy a 2,500-strong force in northern Australia by 2017. Read Article
Tags: Australasia, military, politics, weapons