The coalition Government’s foreign policy represents the most significant shift in New Zealand's stance in a generation, a leading news magazine suggests.

The Economist noted a move away from China and towards the United States, calling it “New Zealand’s biggest pivot since the 1980s”. The magazine spoke to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon during his visit to South-East Asia earlier this month.

It said he was looking to “diversify New Zealand’s diplomatic and trade relationships away from its reliance on China”, which it described as “mostly uncontroversial”.

But it said Wellington was also looking for “closer alignment” with its Five Eyes partners, the United States, Britain, Canada and Australia.

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This, the magazine said, would bring New Zealand closer to the US than at any time since the breakup of the ANZUS alliance in 1986 over New Zealand’s anti-nuclear rules.

The Economist article follows a similar piece by a defence analyst in Foreign Policy magazine earlier this year, which said: “Beijing’s bullying tactics have pushed Wellington into Washington’s welcoming arms.”

Derek Grossman wrote, “Criticizing Beijing is a new tactic in New Zealand’s playbook.”

Investigating joining AUKUS Pillar II is part of the Government’s shift in approach.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters told 1News in August that no decision had been made on that, but added "[we] need relationships with countries that are like-minded".

AUKUS Pillar II is an agreement between member countries to share advanced technology.

The original AUKUS agreement – between Australia, The UK and the US – was established in response to China’s rise in power. Pillar I includes the provision of nuclear-powered submarines to Australia, which is a stumbling block for New Zealand.

Former Labour prime minister Helen Clark has been among critics of moves to antagonise China, saying in August: "You don't set out to put major sticks in the eye of your major trading partner.”

Luxon would not be drawn on the Government’s defence capabilities plan, due out later this month, when asked by The Economist. The magazine highlighted the small size of New Zealand’s military for its international audience.