gee that comment about New Zealand seems to be spot on.
in my own country, we have cutbacks scheduled too.
BUT
I am reminded in history of how the worm turns...if you will:
1. which side was japan on in the Great War?
2. 19 years after the fighting stopped, Japan bombed and sank a US ship.
3. Russia and China were part of the allies during the Second World War...and 5 years later, after the USA had reduced its military dramatically, the US was fighting China, Russia and North Korea.
In other words...your friends can become your enemies, your enemies your friends and the best advice is: Be Prepared.