New Zealand's decision to strengthen its ties with the United States won't be without risk. 

Foreign Minister Winston Peters and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken have recommitted to our bilateral relationship, during a meeting in Washington DC. 

They've issued a joint statement saying New Zealand and the US will work more closely with each other and key allies like Australia, including around defence and intelligence. 

Otago University international relations expert Robert Patman told Mike Hosking that could affect our relationship with both China, and our Pacific neighbours. 

He says China will be looking at the joint statement with concern, and Pacific countries don't see themselves as pawns in a strategic game. 

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