NATO has agreed to step up efforts to help Australia and New Zealand combat China's growing influence.

It came after Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta attended a virtual NATO meeting last night to discuss Russia's invasion into Ukraine.

Tensions are rising in the Pacific after the Solomon Islands negotiated a security deal with China.

Former ambassador to the United States Tim Groser told Andrew Dickens the events of the past few weeks have transformed the entire global security situation.

“Security is going to the top of the political agenda. New thinking will be required, including in New Zealand, so we should keep an open mind.”

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