New Zealand Defence Minister Chris Penk has defended the country's defence spending plans following criticism from US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Hegseth had urged New Zealand to increase its defence spending to 2% of GDP, a target set by NATO.
Penk responded by noting that New Zealand recently announced a financial plan to boost defence spending to just over 2% of GDP over eight years. He emphasized that the plan is realistic and tailored to New Zealand's specific needs and capabilities.
The exchange highlights ongoing discussions about defence burden-sharing among allies. New Zealand's defence spending has historically been below the 2% target, but the new plan aims to address this gap gradually.
