A New Zealand navy ship operating in East Asia was tracked by seven Chinese warships, as confirmed by the Defence Force. HMNZS Aotearoa was deployed to the East China and Yellow Seas last month to conduct surveillance and deterrence activities aimed at reinforcing United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea.
The Aotearoa was accompanied by a P-8A Poseidon aircraft as part of Operation Whio, which focuses on countering North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile ambitions. Reports indicate that the vessel traversed the Taiwan Strait, during which it was monitored by the Chinese fleet.
The Defence Force elaborated that the Chinese warships maintained a “safe and professional distance” throughout the operation. Covering an expansive area of 410,000 square kilometres, the Aotearoa, along with its SH-2G Seasprite helicopter, successfully interrupted two potentially illicit ship-to-ship transfers, identified seven vessels of interest, hailed 49 merchant vessels, and sent out 79 deterrence messages. Meanwhile, the Poseidon aircraft observed five ship-to-ship transfers, identified 59 vessels of interest, and issued 19 deterrence communications.
The Aotearoa worked in conjunction with naval forces from Canada, France, and Japan, also providing replenishment services to Australian and U.S. vessels. “Through maritime patrol, airborne surveillance, and international cooperation, we delivered tangible impact — from deterring illicit activity to supporting allied ships at sea. The professionalism of our own crews and those of our partner nations was evident throughout,” remarked Commanding Officer Rob Welford of the HMNZS Aotearoa.
This operation underscores the commitment of New Zealand and its allies to safeguarding maritime security and stability in the face of ongoing threats in the region. The collaboration highlights the importance of international partnerships in achieving common goals to uphold peace and security.