New Zealand internal report warns of Chinese military forays in Pacific

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Wellington: Chinese naval activity and missile tests will now be a ‘persistent’ feature of the Pacific, according to an internal New Zealand government report. The December 2025 assessment, drafted by the Defence Force and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, warns that Beijing’s maritime reach is rapidly expanding beyond its traditional borders.

Officials specifically highlighted the February 2025 deployment of three Chinese warships to the Tasman Sea. This movement, combined with live-fire exercise notifications, forced several commercial airlines to adjust their flight paths, highlighting the disruption caused by these naval maneuvers.

Additionally, China’s 2024 launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific further illustrates its growing regional reach.

While Beijing maintains that its goals are peaceful, Wellington views this ‘incremental expansion’ as a direct challenge to established power dynamics. Much of the official report remains redacted due to national security concerns.

 However, Wellington emphasised that its interactions with these vessels remain focused on maintaining situational awareness and strictly adhering to international law.