<p>In the eyes of many politicians and analysts Aotearoa New Zealand's "independent" foreign policy is being undermined. Critics argue that closer security arrangements with Australia and NATO as well as the possibility that New Zealand will join Pillar II of AUKUS would reverse the country's ability to chart a pragmatic self-determining approach in its foreign policy.</p> <p>Recently, former Prime Minster Helen Clark and former National Party leader Don Brash put aside their historical animosity to argue that a decision to join AUKUS would "abandon our independent foreign policy in favor of unqualified support for America's 'China containment policy.'" They accused New Zealand's current government of deciding to "throw in our lot with America's attempt to slow China's economic rise and keep it tightly hemmed in by American forces." Various members of the opposition Labor Party have similarly argued against a New Zealand presence in AUKUS, describing the pact as an attempt to "wedge" China and a trade threat.</p>