According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the Royal New Zealand Navy’s sustainment vessel, HMNZS AOTEAROA, conducted a significant surveillance operation in the waters around Japan from mid-August to mid-September. This mission was focused on monitoring and addressing illicit maritime activities, including ship-to-ship transfers involving North Korean-flagged vessels, which are banned under United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs).
This operation represents a historic first for the Royal New Zealand Navy, marking their initial engagement in such enforcement activities. The primary objective was to ensure adherence to UNSCRs and to combat maritime operations that contravene international sanctions against North Korea.
Japan has welcomed these efforts, viewing them as essential for the effective enforcement of UNSCRs and for advancing the goal of the complete, verifiable, and irreversible dismantlement of North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction.
In addition to supporting New Zealand’s mission, Japan has been actively involved in gathering intelligence on vessels suspected of violating UNSCRs. This collaborative effort underscores Japan’s commitment to working with international partners to enhance maritime security and uphold global non-proliferation standards.
The operation reflects a unified international stance on preventing illicit maritime activities and reinforces the collective effort to maintain regional stability.