Diplomatic tensions have risen between New Zealand and China following what New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters has described as a “failure” in communication regarding Chinese military exercises in the Tasman Sea. The issue has dominated discussions between Peters and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, during a visit to Beijing this week.
The dispute stems from China’s recent live-fire naval drills, which took place between Australia and New Zealand without sufficient prior notification. The exercises, described as “unprecedented” by New Zealand’s Defence Minister Judith Collins, involved a Chinese naval flotilla, including the powerful Type 055 Renhai-class cruiser. The drills forced commercial aircraft to change course mid-flight, prompting concerns about security and diplomatic protocol.
Lack of Notification Sparks Diplomatic Clash
During his meeting with Wang Yi, Peters criticised China’s failure to provide adequate notice, arguing that such actions undermine the trust built between the two nations over the past decade. “This is a failure in [our] relationship at this time, and we’d like to have it corrected in the future,” Peters stated.
China, however, dismissed concerns raised by both New Zealand and Australia, with its Defence Ministry accusing Canberra of “hyping up” the situation and exaggerating the risk posed by the exercises. Beijing maintains that the drills were conducted in accordance with international law and that warnings were issued for air traffic.
Geopolitical Tensions in the Pacific
The presence of Chinese warships in the Tasman Sea is seen by some analysts as part of Beijing’s broader strategic maneuvering in the Indo-Pacific region. Geoffrey Miller, a geopolitical analyst, described the exchange between Peters and Wang as “robust” and “fairly tough” but emphasised that dialogue remains key. “It is a difficult situation to be in, and it’s one I don’t think New Zealand wanted to be in, and I don’t think China necessarily wanted the relationship to be at this point right now,” Miller told Mike Hosking Breakfast.
Australia has also voiced strong concerns, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stating that Beijing “could have given more notice.” Foreign Minister Penny Wong raised the issue with Wang Yi at a recent G20 meeting in Johannesburg, reinforcing calls for transparency in military activities near Australian waters.
Concerns Over China’s Influence in the Pacific
Adding to the tensions, New Zealand also questioned China’s expanding influence in the Pacific, particularly its recent five-year agreement with the Cook Islands to explore deep-sea minerals. Peters noted the irony that New Zealand learned more details about the deal from China than from its own Pacific partner. The Cook Islands’ Prime Minister, Mark Brown, has dismissed concerns raised by New Zealand media and officials.
China Calls for Dialogue, but Friction Remains
Despite the diplomatic tension, Peters indicated that China is considering New Zealand’s concerns over the lack of prior warning. “I think it would be true to say that he took our concerns on board,” Peters said of Wang Yi’s response. Reports from Chinese state media suggest Beijing is eager to maintain dialogue and avoid further escalation.
The meeting in Beijing also set the stage for a future visit by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who is expected to travel to China later this year. Analysts see this as an opportunity to reinforce diplomatic ties while addressing security concerns in the region.