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Diplomatic Tensions Rise Over Lack of Notice
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters has criticized China for conducting live-fire military drills near its waters without sufficient warning, calling it a “failure” in their relationship. Speaking in Beijing after meetings with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Vice Premier Han Zheng, Peters emphasized the need for better communication in future exercises.
“This is a failure in [our special relationship] at this time, and we’d like to have it corrected into the future,” Peters stated.
Minimal Warning Disrupts Aviation
New Zealand and Australia have both expressed concern over China’s sudden military exercises in international waters between the two countries. The drills forced commercial airlines to reroute flights due to the lack of proper advance notice.
New Zealand’s Defence Minister Judith Collins revealed that China provided just a “couple of hours’ notice,” far short of the usual 12 to 24-hour window expected for such activities. Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong has also sought explanations from China over the incident.
Wider Security Concerns in the Pacific
Peters also raised concerns over a Chinese missile launch test last September, which landed near French Polynesia’s exclusive economic zone without adequate prior warning. He urged China to reconsider its approach to advance notifications for future military activities.
Additionally, he addressed growing concerns over China’s increasing influence in the Pacific, particularly regarding the Cook Islands. He pointed out that New Zealand was not sufficiently consulted before the Cook Islands signed a comprehensive strategic partnership with China, covering sectors like education, infrastructure, fisheries, and seabed mining.
“China needs to understand the constitutional arrangement between New Zealand and the Cook Islands,” Peters asserted, highlighting concerns over transparency in Beijing’s Pacific engagements.
China Calls for Trade and Technology Cooperation
Despite tensions, trade discussions also took place during Peters’ visit. Wang Yi emphasized cooperation in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence and green economy, underscoring that China remains New Zealand’s largest trading partner, accounting for a quarter of its exports in 2024.
While New Zealand seeks stronger diplomatic ties with China, the recent military drills and Beijing’s deepening presence in the Pacific continue to be pressing concerns.
Gill Bikram Singh