The Chief of the Defence Force has told 3 News New Zealand would likely send troops to war against North Korea if the South needs us.
His comments go against the Prime Minister's line. John Key's already had to back away from similar statements he made himself earlier this year.
It all happened at the anniversary of the signing of the armistice that brought an end to fighting in Korea 60 years ago.
Sixteen countries fought alongside South Korea in the war, and veterans from each are there today. The youngest of our veterans is 78. It's unlikely such a large group will travel to Seoul for a significant anniversary like this again.
It's known as the forgotten war, and today was all about remembering. It was a big day for veterans, and a big day for our prime minister, one of just three speakers, including the president of Korea, to address the 4000 people.
Mr Key urged North Korea to work constructively for peace on the peninsula.
But his line is somewhat different to that from the Chief of Defence.
"If South Korea is threatened again, I think we'd send forces there," says Rhys Jones.
The Government is, of course, responsible for making these decisions. But as head of the Defence Force, Lt Gen Jones has skin in the game.
"South Korea is important to us, so if their nation is threatened, it will be seriously considered by the Government," he says.
Though unlikely to cause a diplomatic incident, this will be annoying for Mr Key. He's still living down similar comments he made in China, which he had to back away from the next day.
"We've always had a long and proud history of coming to support of Korea," he said at the time. "If it happens, ask me then."
Veterans 3 News spoke to are divided about whether or not we should send troops back if needed. They know firsthand what's at stake.
"To think that just down the road some of the poorest people in the world are living, with the worst conditions," says Mr Key. "We've got to believe the peninsula can be unified."
But North Korea, which has been having its own staged anniversary commemorations, is unpredictable. Though seemingly settled now, there have been four missile launches this year and countless cries of war.
After two years of talks, the armistice signed 60 years ago is the longest to ever be negotiated. The ceasefire was meant to be put in place until peace and official end of war. That still hasn't happened and the war is still technically on.
3 News
source: newshub archive
