New Zealand Defence Minister Raises Concerns Over Chinese Naval Exercises in Tasman Sea
Judith Collins warns of the capabilities of Chinese warships following live-fire drills that diverted commercial flights.
New Zealand's Defence Minister Judith Collins has issued a warning regarding a Chinese naval task group, which is currently engaged in military exercises in the Tasman Sea.
Collins described the flotilla as "extremely capable," noting that one of the warships in the group is equipped with ballistic missiles that have an approximate range of 1,000 kilometers.
This warning follows recent assertions from China’s Ministry of Defence, which accused Australia and New Zealand of exaggerated responses to live fire drills conducted by the Chinese vessels on February 21 and 22. These drills prompted diversions of commercial flights in the region, raising concerns among local authorities and governments.
Defense ministry spokesperson Wu Qian of China emphasized that the operations were conducted in accordance with international law.
He stated that Australia’s reactions were "unreasonable" and accused Australia and New Zealand of deliberately escalating the situation.
In response, Collins maintained that it is standard protocol for nations to provide notice before conducting such military exercises, ideally 24 to 48 hours in advance.
She emphasized the necessity for clearer communication regarding the flotilla, which includes the naval frigate Hengyang, cruiser Zunyi, and replenishment vessel Weishanhu.
According to Collins, the absence of information regarding the ships' subsequent movements is concerning.
"The weapons they have are extremely capable.
One vessel has 112 vertical launch cells and is reported to have anti-ship ballistic missile capabilities with a range of 540 nautical miles," Collins highlighted in an interview with Radio New Zealand.
The Chinese vessels are currently situated approximately 280 nautical miles east of Tasmania, with their formation described as having slightly changed.
Collins confirmed that New Zealand's naval ship Te Kaha is actively monitoring the flotilla's movements.
New Zealand's military has been facing challenges, notably due to budget constraints and operational incidents, including the grounding of its hydrographic vessel Manawanui off Samoa last year.
Collins stressed that the recent Chinese naval drills underscore the need for New Zealand to increase defence spending amid rising strategic tensions within the region.
She indicated that New Zealand’s geographical isolation no longer guarantees security, stating that there is an urgent requirement to reinforce the country's military capabilities.
Analysts interpret the timing and location of China's military exercises as a demonstration of its ability and willingness to project power within the South Pacific, a region considered increasingly vital in the context of geopolitical competition.
Collins suggested that China’s military operations might also be connected to its ongoing pursuits of seabed resources, particularly in relation to a recent agreement on deep-sea mining established with the Cook Islands.
"The seabed of the Pacific Ocean is perceived by some countries as a significant resource, and we need to recognize the strategic implications of this competition," she remarked, referring to the geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific region.
Collins described the flotilla as "extremely capable," noting that one of the warships in the group is equipped with ballistic missiles that have an approximate range of 1,000 kilometers.
This warning follows recent assertions from China’s Ministry of Defence, which accused Australia and New Zealand of exaggerated responses to live fire drills conducted by the Chinese vessels on February 21 and 22. These drills prompted diversions of commercial flights in the region, raising concerns among local authorities and governments.
Defense ministry spokesperson Wu Qian of China emphasized that the operations were conducted in accordance with international law.
He stated that Australia’s reactions were "unreasonable" and accused Australia and New Zealand of deliberately escalating the situation.
In response, Collins maintained that it is standard protocol for nations to provide notice before conducting such military exercises, ideally 24 to 48 hours in advance.
She emphasized the necessity for clearer communication regarding the flotilla, which includes the naval frigate Hengyang, cruiser Zunyi, and replenishment vessel Weishanhu.
According to Collins, the absence of information regarding the ships' subsequent movements is concerning.
"The weapons they have are extremely capable.
One vessel has 112 vertical launch cells and is reported to have anti-ship ballistic missile capabilities with a range of 540 nautical miles," Collins highlighted in an interview with Radio New Zealand.
The Chinese vessels are currently situated approximately 280 nautical miles east of Tasmania, with their formation described as having slightly changed.
Collins confirmed that New Zealand's naval ship Te Kaha is actively monitoring the flotilla's movements.
New Zealand's military has been facing challenges, notably due to budget constraints and operational incidents, including the grounding of its hydrographic vessel Manawanui off Samoa last year.
Collins stressed that the recent Chinese naval drills underscore the need for New Zealand to increase defence spending amid rising strategic tensions within the region.
She indicated that New Zealand’s geographical isolation no longer guarantees security, stating that there is an urgent requirement to reinforce the country's military capabilities.
Analysts interpret the timing and location of China's military exercises as a demonstration of its ability and willingness to project power within the South Pacific, a region considered increasingly vital in the context of geopolitical competition.
Collins suggested that China’s military operations might also be connected to its ongoing pursuits of seabed resources, particularly in relation to a recent agreement on deep-sea mining established with the Cook Islands.
"The seabed of the Pacific Ocean is perceived by some countries as a significant resource, and we need to recognize the strategic implications of this competition," she remarked, referring to the geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific region.
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