New Zealand Criticizes China's Naval Exercises Amid Concerns
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Synopsis
New Zealand's Defence Minister Judith Collins expressed grave concerns over the Chinese naval exercises occurring near its waters, emphasizing the potential threat to Australia and the necessity for New Zealand to enhance its defense budget amidst rising tensions.
Key Takeaways
- Judith Collins warns Australia about armed Chinese vessels.
- Chinese naval drills in the Tasman Sea raise alarms.
- Collins calls for a stronger New Zealand defense budget.
- China criticized for lack of communication regarding naval activities.
- New Zealand has not conducted live-fire exercises in the Taiwan Strait.
Wellington, Feb 24 (NationPress) New Zealand's Defence Minister Judith Collins alerted Australia on Monday regarding the presence of Chinese vessels in nearby waters, indicating they might be equipped with weapons that could reach Australia.
Collins emphasized that the Chinese naval task group engaged in military drills in the Tasman Sea is highly capable, with one warship armed with ballistic missiles that have a range of approximately 1,000 kilometres.
Her comments followed criticisms from China's Ministry of Defence, which accused Australia and New Zealand of intentionally exaggerating the situation after three flights were rerouted due to Beijing's live-fire exercises.
Collins asserted that the Chinese warships are heavily armed, reinforcing the need for New Zealand to urgently enhance its defence budget in light of escalating strategic tensions in the area, as reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Furthermore, Collins rebuked China's critique, stating that the notice provided by China was insufficient compared to the recommended 12 to 24 hours prior to the flotilla—comprising the naval frigate Hengyang, cruiser Zunyi, and replenishment vessel Weishanhu—starting live-fire drills.
She also pointed out that China had not communicated regarding the operations of its warships this week or their potential proximity to New Zealand.
"They’re not informing us of their plans, but I can confirm that the ships are currently about 280 nautical miles east of Tasmania. Their formation has slightly adjusted, but we are monitoring the situation, and Te Kaha is deployed to oversee this activity, as expected," she stated.
Collins connected the Chinese operations in the region to a recent pact signed between China and the Cook Islands, aimed at enhancing China’s strategic footprint in the Pacific.
She characterized the agreement as unusual, granting China access to seabed minerals.
In a further critique of China, Collins remarked that New Zealand has never engaged in similar activities within the Taiwan Strait.
She noted that while New Zealand has navigated through the contentious Taiwan Strait separating Taiwan and China, it has never conducted live-fire operations there, according to reports from Radio New Zealand.
