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Was a trilateral defence ministers' meeting between New Zealand, Australia, and Japan planned or proposed for August 2026; if so, will it proceed as planned; if it will not, will it be rescheduled or replaced by alternative arrangements such as a virtual meeting or officials-level talks; if so, when, and if not, why not?

Answered Question 36956 (2026)
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Asked by

Damien O'Connor

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • Was a trilateral defence ministers' meeting between New Zealand, Australia, and Japan planned or proposed for August 2026; if so, will it proceed as planned; if it will not, will it be rescheduled or replaced by alternative arrangements such as a virtual meeting or officials-level talks; if so, when, and if not, why not?

Answered by

Hon Paul Goldsmith

List MP · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

A meeting was scheduled to take place on 18 August 2026 in Canberra. As this occurred shortly after I was appointed, it has been deferred. Future trilateral meetings will be considered at the next appropriate opportunity. No impact has been identified on the Maritime Fleet Renewal Programme. The Australia and Japan governments were notified of this decision in writing.