An international relations expert say there'll always be differences of view within the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.

Sydney Morning Herald foreign affairs correspondent Anthony Galloway says Australian officials felt "blindsided" by comments by Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta.

She's not comfortable with expanding the alliance's remit to joint foreign policy positions.

Professor Robert Patman told Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford that not all Five Eyes countries have the same positions on human rights and democracy.

"In fact, we have serious issue differences with Australia on a number of issues, but it does not mean we have to agree with them on everything."

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