Chinese warships stalked New Zealand’s largest ship last month as it carried out routine surveillance on potential North Korean maritime smuggling in international waters, according to Wellington on Monday. 

Seven Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessels “shadowed” the HMNZS Aotearoa during its monitoring operation between the East China and Yellow Seas in November, the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) said in a press release.

The Aotearoa “maintained a safe and professional distance throughout,” New Zealand’s military said.

China’s reported shadowing of New Zealand’s replenishment ship comes after a PLA vessel allegedly followedthe French frigate FS Prairial during