New Zealand's none too pleased at the prospect of nukes in our waters.

The United Kingdom, United States and Australia have signed a three-way military deal to counter Chinese influence in the Asia Pacific.

The first initiative is to supply nuclear submarine technology to Australia.

Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta told Heather du Plessis-Allan the Pacific has a long held position of staying nuclear-free.

“We’ve expressed this very preference not to have nuclear-powered vessels operating in our waters, so it’s well understood and respected.”

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