Aukus pact could allow New Zealand to deepen relations with Europe and Pacific | Pete McKenzie

As country's traditional allies take a more confrontational approach to China, it could offset Anglosphere divide with new partnerships

During the announcement that America, the United Kingdom and Australia had formed a new Aukus defence pact - inaugurated with the sale of American nuclear-powered submarines to Australia - Australian prime minister Scott Morrison lauded it as a forever partnership for a new time between the oldest and most trusted of friends".

That phrasing was notable given that the deal excluded New Zealand, which has historically been so close with Australia that the Australian constitution contemplates complete integration of the two countries. Remarkably, New Zealand's government apparently only learned about the Aukus deal when it began to be reported in the media on Wednesday.