New Zealand Rejects China’s Surveillance Claim Over Military Flight

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Wellington: New Zealand on Saturday rejected China’s accusations that one of its military aircraft carried out “disruptive and irresponsible” surveillance in Chinese airspace, saying the mission was part of United Nations-backed sanctions monitoring on North Korea.

Beijing had alleged on Friday that a P-8A Poseidon operated by the New Zealand Defence Force engaged in close-range reconnaissance and harassment over the Yellow Sea and East China Sea.

A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry said the aircraft’s actions undermined China’s security interests, increased the risk of misunderstanding and miscalculation, and disrupted civil aviation in the area.

In response, the New Zealand Defence Force said the aircraft had been conducting routine monitoring under UN mandates designed to enforce sanctions against North Korea.

“These activities are not directed at China but rather aim to monitor evasions of United Nations sanctions on North Korea,” an NZDF spokesperson said.

The force added that its crew operated professionally and in accordance with international law and regional civil aviation procedures.

New Zealand said it had reviewed the flight path and available data and found no evidence that the mission disrupted civilian air traffic.

The NZDF also confirmed there had been diplomatic dialogue between New Zealand and China over the incident.