New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters is set to arrive in Beijing on Tuesday, February 25 for a three-day visit amidst growing tensions between New Zealand, Australia, and China due to the recent live-fire exercises conducted by the Chinese navy in the Tasman Sea.
Both the New Zealand and Australian governments expressed concerns last week over the Chinese navy conducting live-fire exercises in international waters between the two countries without advance notice, forcing several airlines to make last-minute route adjustments.
According to Reuters, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated on Monday, February 24 that China’s practice of providing short notice is disappointing, especially in this busy air route. He mentioned that this issue will be formally raised during Peters’ visit to China, demanding that Chinese authorities provide timely advance notifications in the future.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment.
The New Zealand Defense Force reported on Monday that three Chinese warships are currently positioned approximately 280 nautical miles (519 kilometers) east of Tasmania, outside of Australia’s exclusive economic zone.
New Zealand’s Defense Minister stated last week that China’s actions serve as a “wake-up call” for New Zealanders.
Additionally, Peters will question the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between China and the government of the Cook Islands.
Recently, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with China without informing New Zealand, which maintains a “free association” relationship with the Cook Islands, causing strong dissatisfaction from the New Zealand government.
The agreement between the Cook Islands government and China is for a five-year cooperation aimed at exploring and researching the country’s seabed mineral resources. Once the details of the agreement were made public, it sparked protests among the local population.
A spokesperson for Peters previously stated that the actions of the Cook Islands government have raised “serious concerns” within the New Zealand government.
Peters’ visit to China is part of his multi-country itinerary, with subsequent stops planned in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Mongolia, and South Korea. In Beijing, he is scheduled to hold talks with top Chinese officials, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi.