China’s Naval Drills Spark Concern in New Zealand: A Deep Dive

On Monday, February 24, 2025, New Zealand voiced heightened apprehension regarding recent live-fire exercises conducted by Chinese warships in close proximity. These drills, showcasing “extremely capable” weaponry, occurred in the Tasman Sea and have ignited discussions about China’s evolving naval ambitions.

Unprecedented Naval Activity in the Tasman Sea

A Chinese Navy formation executed two live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand on Friday, February 21, and Saturday, February 22. These exercises prompted commercial airlines to alter their flight paths, underscoring the scale and impact of the drills. The exercises involved a frigate,a cruiser,and a replenishment vessel,sailing down the coast of Australia as mid-February,according to facts released by the Australian Defense Force.

the location and nature of these drills have raised eyebrows. “We’ve certainly never seen a task force or task group of this capability undertaking that sort of work. So it is certainly a change,” stated Judith Collins, the defense minister of New Zealand, speaking to radio New Zealand (RNZ) on Monday.

China’s Growing Blue-Water Navy

These exercises are viewed by some analysts as a component of Beijing’s broader strategy to develop a blue-water navy,capable of operating globally. The Type 055 destroyer, *Zunyi*, is notably the most potent surface combatant in the PLA Navy, allegedly capable of launching not only ballistic missiles but also hypersonic missiles.

Collin Koh, a research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, emphasized the unusual nature of this deployment. “Its presence so far south in the tasman Sea – and as part of a full-fledged combat flotilla – is really considered unusual and rather unprecedented,” Koh stated. He further added, “In recent years, the PLA Navy has shifted from near seas to far seas. They’re increasingly training themselves up to be a true blue-water navy.”

Weapons Capability and strategic Implications

The advanced weaponry involved in the exercises has contributed to the heightened concern. According to Collins, “The weapons they have are extremely capable. One has 112 vertical launch cells and has reported anti-ship ballistic missile range of 540 nautical miles.” This firepower projection raises questions about regional security and the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.

Implications for International Relations

Chinese state media have adopted a firm stance, suggesting that Western countries “should get used to such military exercises in their nearby waters.”

Conclusion: Navigating a Shifting Geopolitical Landscape

China’s naval exercises in the Tasman Sea represent a significant development in the evolving geopolitical landscape. The display of advanced military capabilities, combined with strategic positioning, warrants careful observation and analysis.

Understanding the implications of china’s expanding naval influence is critical for policymakers,defense analysts,and anyone interested in global security. Stay informed and consider a deeper dive into defense strategy analysis to grasp the larger picture.

China’s Naval Drills Spark International Debate

China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is increasingly conducting exercises in international waters, a trend that is drawing both concern and calls for adjustment from other nations. Recent drills have specifically raised questions about notification protocols and regional security.

Reactions from Australia and New Zealand

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony albanese stated on Saturday that while China’s drills complied with international law, Beijing “could have given more notice.” This sentiment was echoed by Foreign minister Penny Wong, who sought an description from her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at a G20 foreign ministers gathering in Johannesburg on Saturday.

However, China’s defense Ministry responded on Sunday, slamming Australia for “hyping up” the drills and making “unreasonable accusations.” Wu Qian, a ministry spokesperson, asserted that safety notices were issued in advance and that the exercises aligned with international law, posing no threat to aviation safety.

New Zealand has also weighed in on the matter. According to Collins, China’s warning was issued with insufficient lead time. “There was a warning to civil aviation flights, that was basically a very short amount of notice, a couple of hours, as opposed to what we would consider best practice, which is 12-24 hours’ notice, so that aircraft are not having to be diverted when they’re on the wing,” she told RNZ. Collins further noted that the ships were approximately 280 nautical miles east of Tasmania and were being monitored by a New Zealand navy frigate.

Despite these concerns,New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister winston Peters is scheduled to visit China on Tuesday,February 25,2025,at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi,suggesting ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two nations.

China’s Expanding Naval Capabilities

Under the leadership of Xi Jinping, China has significantly expanded its naval fleet. “china has built the world’s largest naval fleet, boasting a battle force of more than 370 ships and submarines,” according to the Pentagon’s latest annual report on the Chinese military. This expansion extends beyond regional waters,with China projecting power in open oceans thousands of miles from its shores.

The expansion of China’s global maritime presence began in the Indian Ocean, with the PLA Navy conducting counter-piracy missions in the Gulf of Aden since 2008.

Expert Analysis

Song Zhongping, a chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times that the PLAN will increasingly conduct exercises not only near China’s shores but also in international waters. “As drills like these will become more frequent, some countries should adjust to this trend,” Song said.

Conclusion

China’s increasing naval activity and its interactions with international partners underscore the importance of clear communication, adherence to international law, and proactive diplomacy. As China’s naval presence continues to grow, it is essential for nations to engage in constructive dialog to ensure regional stability and avoid misunderstandings. Stay informed and follow international relations to understand how these events impact global security.