The survival of the alliance in its current form, though, is under threat after Ms Ardern s administration announced that it was making improved trade relations with Beijing its priority, rather than maintaining its support for Five Eyes. No matter if they have five eyes or ten eyes, as soon as they dare to harm China s sovereignty, security or development interests, they should be careful lest their eyes be poked blind. Zhao Lijian, the spokesman for China s foreign minister,
BBC, November 19, 2020.
New Zealand s naive approach to the threat posed by Beijing not only poses a threat to the future of the alliance itself. There is a distinct possibility that Wellington could find itself being expelled from the alliance over its pro-Beijing stance.
Nanaia Mahuta speaks during the announcement of the new New Zealand government cabinet in Wellington, New Zealand, November 2, 2020. [Photo/Agencies]
New Zealand may not be a major world power, but when it comes to foreign policy it will not be told what to do by bigger, stronger nations.
This was highlighted by Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta, who said she would not allow the Five Eyes alliance to determine New Zealand s foreign policy, especially in relation to China, and has won kudos from compatriots.
Formed under the United Kingdom-United States Communication Intelligence Act, also known as the UKUSA Agreement, the Five Eyes is an intelligence gathering and sharing alliance established in 1946. It comprises five Anglophone countries: The US, the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
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