BEIJING, Feb 26: China has agreed to evaluate concerns raised regarding the insufficient notice given by its military before conducting live-fire exercises in waters between New Zealand and Australia last week, according to New Zealand’s foreign minister, who spoke in Beijing on Wednesday.
The military drills caused passenger flights to be diverted midair, following warnings from Chinese naval vessels to pilots flying over the live-fire area.
“I believe it’s fair to say that our concerns were acknowledged,” stated Foreign Minister Winston Peters after having a meeting and dinner with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.
Peters emphasized that this matter should be viewed within the broader context of the strong relationship developed between the two nations since 2008, with China being New Zealand’s largest export market.
“As we enter the second decade of this partnership, this situation represents a breakdown that we wish to see rectified moving forward,” he expressed, adding, “This matter is apparently under consideration.”
Australia has voiced its concerns more strongly regarding the lack of notice. Foreign Minister Penny Wong sought clarification from China’s Wang Yi during a meeting in Johannesburg last Saturday, following a gathering of G20 foreign ministers.
The core issue is how far in advance military forces should issue warnings. According to New Zealand’s Defense Minister Judith Collins, China provided “only a couple of hours’ notice,” contrary to the anticipated 12 to 24 hours, which would allow airlines sufficient time to alter flight paths.
The official Chinese Xinhua News Agency did not mention this issue in its initial report regarding Peters’ earlier meeting with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng.
A spokesperson for China’s Defence Ministry defended the military exercises on Sunday, asserting that the drills were in line with international law and did not compromise aviation safety.
Peters, who also serves as deputy prime minister, is undertaking an 11-day trip that started with visits to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. After stopping in Beijing, he will continue on to Mongolia and South Korea before returning to New Zealand on Monday.
Prior to his journey, Peters described the relationship with China as “one of New Zealand’s most significant and complex partnerships.”
Earlier this month, the New Zealand government expressed its displeasure when the Cook Islands opted not to share the text of a draft agreement aimed at enhancing cooperation with China.
The Cook Islands, a small nation in the South Pacific, maintains a special relationship with New Zealand, which provides assistance in military and foreign affairs. Consequently, it is expected to consult New Zealand on any issues that could impact the latter.
The government disclosed details of the agreement—including increased Chinese funding for infrastructure projects and educational scholarships—only after it was signed in Beijing. (AP)
