【By Observer Net, Wang Kaiwen】On August 9 local time, Australian Prime Minister Albanese, who is on a visit to New Zealand, held an annual meeting with New Zealand's Prime Minister Luxon.

This is the second time Albanese has visited New Zealand in 2023, and he was warmly received by Luxon. According to Associated Press, Luxon called Australia "New Zealand's only ally" and expressed a desire for closer military cooperation with Australia.

"We have always placed great importance on our combined operational capabilities, hoping to be each other's force multiplier," Luxon told reporters. He added: "We hope to build an 'ANZAC' that is indispensable in the region."

The ANZAC was an army unit jointly established by Australia and New Zealand during World War I, which first participated in the Gallipoli Campaign in 1915 and has become a symbol of military cooperation between the two countries.

On August 9 local time, Queenstown, New Zealand, New Zealand's Prime Minister Luxon and Australian Prime Minister Albanese met. Luxon's X account

In recent months, Australia has frequently raised the issue of Chinese warships conducting military exercises near its waters. Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported that "China's presence in the Pacific region" was one of the focuses of the talks between Albanese and Luxon.

The joint statement after the meeting also mentioned a series of issues related to China, including U.S.-China competition and dialogue, the South China Sea and East China Sea issues. The statement also addressed the Taiwan Strait issue, stating that "the two prime ministers emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and called for resolving the cross-strait issue through dialogue."

According to ABC, during the joint press conference of Albanese and Luxon, the two confirmed that they discussed China and security issues in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as their recent visits to China, an important trade partner.

"Of course, geopolitical competition, especially between major powers, is a matter that Australia and New Zealand discuss together and cooperate politically," Albanese said.

Luxon said that New Zealand and Australia have "almost followed the same strategy" in bilateral relations with China. He emphasized: "China is an important world power, and it is very important to engage in communication with it."

"We are now able to have sincere dialogue with China, and I think this is a very mature dialogue," Luxon said. "Frankly, we have very different histories, systems, and values, which means there are indeed differences between us. But good partners should not be afraid to talk about these issues."

"China plays a significant role globally and has been a long-standing presence in international affairs," Albanese said. He reiterated: "Our policy is to cooperate in areas where we can, and to stand firm where there are differences."

The Guardian reported that, in addition to issues related to China, Australia and New Zealand also maintain a unified stance on the situation in Gaza and U.S. tariffs.

Luxon and Albanese stated that Israel's plan to occupy Gaza City and further expand military operations in the Gaza Strip is wrong, and this move may violate international law.

Last month, 15 countries, including Australia and New Zealand, signed a document reaffirming their "unwavering commitment to the two-state solution." However, Australia and New Zealand have not yet determined a specific timetable for recognizing the State of Palestine.

It was reported that regarding the possibility of President Trump retaliating with trade measures against Australia and New Zealand if they recognize the State of Palestine, Albanese and Luxon both stated that this would not affect their position.

"We have made our own assessment of our economic and security interests," Luxon said. Albanese responded: "Australia's position is completely the same."

According to the Australian Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), Albanese said on September 9 that Australia and New Zealand face a world full of uncertainty accompanied by "geopolitical tensions, trade issues, and global conflicts."

"But one thing is certain, that Australia and New Zealand will always stand together," Albanese said.

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