The Royal New Zealand Navy has completed maritime patrols in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea in support of United Nations Security Council sanctions monitoring against North Korea, according to the New Zealand Defence Force. The operations were conducted in international waters as part of multinational efforts to detect suspected sanctions violations.

The task group consisted of the Anzac-class frigate HMNZS Te Mana and the sustainment vessel HMNZS Aotearoa. It marked the first deployment of Te Mana for UN sanctions monitoring. During the operation, the frigate covered about 180,000 square nautical miles, monitored seven vessels of interest and broadcast 60 deterrence messages through maritime radio.

HMNZS Aotearoa conducted six replenishments at sea for Te Mana and vessels from partner nations, allowing ships to remain on patrol for longer periods. Two SH-2G(I) Seasprite helicopters were also deployed with the task group to extend surveillance beyond the ships’ immediate monitoring range.

The New Zealand Defence Force said the patrols focused on identifying and reporting vessels suspected of trafficking refined petroleum to North Korea or exporting restricted commodities such as coal, iron ore and sand. New Zealand has participated in international sanctions-monitoring operations involving North Korea since 2018 and is part of the Pacific Security Maritime Exchange.