China-New Zealand "Maritime Cooperation-2026" Joint Exercise Concludes

This afternoon, after completing all scheduled exercise subjects, the China-New Zealand "Maritime Cooperation-2026" joint exercise came to a close, with both sides' vessels holding a separation ceremony in a certain sea area.

At around 13:30, the separation ceremony began, and the commanders of both sides' vessels delivered brief speeches. The commander of the Chinese vessel Dali expressed happiness in working with the "Resolute" to closely cooperate between the two countries' navies, deepen friendship, and play a positive role in maintaining regional peace and stability. The professionalism and dedication of the New Zealand personnel left a deep impression on the Chinese side. The commander of the New Zealand frigate "Resolute" stated that the "Maritime Cooperation" series of exercises provided a valuable opportunity for both sides to establish friendship and trust, expressing gratitude for the careful planning and quality support from the Chinese side, and looking forward to the next maritime meeting between the two sides. Subsequently, amid the sound of long whistles, personnel from both sides lined up on the side of the vessels and saluted as the two ships turned to separate.

Regular and institutionalized joint exercises provide a platform for the naval personnel of both countries to move from understanding to familiarity, and from knowledge to mutual trust. This exercise was conducted in two phases: port exchange and maritime exercises. During the port exchange phase, high-level meetings and planning discussions were held, along with activities such as vessel tours and deck receptions. Personnel from both sides also engaged in professional exchanges on topics such as diving operations, submarine search and rescue, and underwater medicine, fully integrating different operational concepts and training experiences, and enhancing mutual learning and understanding.

Transitioning to the maritime exercise phase, both sides dispatched observers aboard each other's vessels, and the participating forces coordinated seamlessly, completing exercises in communication drills, at-sea replenishment, live-fire shooting, and joint search and rescue, which tested the level of coordinated maneuvering, support, and strike capabilities of the mixed fleet, further enhancing military mutual trust and promoting pragmatic cooperation, thereby improving the ability to jointly maintain regional peace and stability.

(Source: People's Navy)