AUKUS alliance, comprising Australia, Britain, and the United States, announced on Wednesday that they are engaging in discussions with Canada, Japan, and New Zealand regarding potential partnerships in defense technology initiatives.

This collaboration aims to enhance the AUKUS defense technology framework, which is set to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines in the coming decade, while also focusing on the development of advanced weaponry to strengthen deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in light of concerns surrounding China’s naval expansion.

The leaders from Australia, Britain, and the U.S. indicated that these new partners could play a role in the AUKUS “Pillar Two,” which excludes nuclear submarines. In a joint statement commemorating the third anniversary of AUKUS, they noted, “We are consulting with Canada, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea to explore opportunities for collaboration on advanced capabilities under AUKUS Pillar II.” Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair mentioned during a recent visit to Tokyo that Canada is in discussions with AUKUS regarding participation in various projects, although specific details were not disclosed.

New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, stated that the consultation represents “a continuation of New Zealand’s thoughtful and measured examination, under various administrations, of the implications of engaging with AUKUS Pillar 2 for our nation in both strategic and economic contexts.”

New Zealand has a longstanding commitment to being nuclear-free. “We will maintain an open and transparent dialogue with New Zealanders regarding the pertinent issues,” Peters shared on his X account on Wednesday.