The New Zealand Defence Force is working on a joint operation with Chinese military in the Pacific for the first time, to help provide disaster relief and humanitarian assistance for future island disasters.
The multiple-national operation, called Tropic Twilight, will provide relief to the remote islands of the Pacific, such as the northern Cook Islands atoll of Manihiki.
In 1997, Cyclone Martin sent waves reportedly higher than coconut trees over the small island, killing 19 people.
And preventing future disasters has become a priority for the New Zealand Defence Force, which has been strengthening existing building on the island.
“Primarily on local infrastructure including schools, preschools, hospitals and clinics so that we can ensure we are giving the locals a benefit,” New Zealand Army Captain Andrew Blackburn told ONE News.
New Zealand is leading the 60-strong task group, which includes the UK and US, and for the first time China.
“I think this exercise offers a very good opportunity and good experience to work with different nations to get more understanding with each other about how to do our jobs in humanitarian assistance disaster relief operations," Peoples Liberation Army Captain Wang Zhongrui.
“The important thing about this mission is it’s the first time we have ever had to work with New Zealand,” US Army Captain George Sablan said.
The task group is also building a new fuel depot to help enable long-range patrols against illegal fishing.