The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), in partnership with Australian authorities, is closely monitoring a People’s Liberation Army – Navy (PLA-N) Task Group operating in international waters, approximately 350 nautical miles northeast of Australia’s Bass Strait.
The Chinese Task Group includes the Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang, the Renhai-class cruiser Zunyi, and the Fuchi-class replenishment vessel Weishanhu.
A New Zealand Defence Force spokesperson said, “In close coordination with the Australian Defence Force (ADF), we are monitoring the Task Group’s movements using air and naval assets and have been doing so since the group entered Australian waters more than a week ago.”
Tensions escalated over the weekend when the Task Group transmitted a radio message on Saturday afternoon, announcing its intention to conduct live firing exercises—marking the second such event in two days.
On Friday, one of the vessels broadcast a safety message indicating plans to conduct a live firing activity near the group.
However, there was no advanced notice through a standard Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), which caused several commercial aircraft to divert their flight paths to avoid the area, including a Christchurch bound flight.
During Saturday’s live firing exercise, crew aboard the New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Kaha reported witnessing the Renhai-class cruiser firing its main gun.
The NZDF spokesperson said, “The NZDF has worked closely with other agencies as this response has developed, including the Civil Aviation Authority, to help ensure aviation safety is maintained.”
New Zealand remains in close coordination with Australian defence forces.
Both ADF and NZDF are maintaining surveillance over the Task Group using surface and air assets, including HMNZS Te Kaha and P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
Additionally, the New Zealand tanker HMNZS Aotearoa is operating near the Bass Strait to provide replenishment support for both New Zealand and Australian naval vessels if required.
The NZDF spokesperson said, “Our focus remains on ensuring maritime and aviation safety while monitoring the activities of the PLA-N Task Group in international waters.”
