WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — For the first time in nearly 90 years, Japanese warships docked in New Zealand's capital on Friday, marking a significant step in Tokyo's efforts to strengthen its strategic ties in the South Pacific Ocean. This port visit highlights Japan's increasing focus on bilateral military cooperation amidst rising regional tensions.

Two vessels from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, the JS Ise and the destroyer JS Suzunami, arrived in Wellington harbor with over 500 crew members on board. They were accompanied by the New Zealand Navy ship HMNZS Canterbury. The Japanese destroyers were on an Indo-Pacific deployment, having recently participated in joint military exercises in Sydney alongside New Zealand, Australia, and other nations.

The visit to Wellington, while primarily ceremonial, illustrates Japan's growing emphasis on military collaboration, especially considering its only treaty ally is the United States. Makoto Osawa, Japan's envoy to Wellington, expressed the intent to develop cooperative defense efforts not only with New Zealand and Australia but also with various Pacific Island nations. He emphasized that the overarching goal is to promote a "free and open Indo-Pacific."

The significance of the visit is further underscored by Australia's announcement earlier this week that a Japanese firm, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, has secured a contract to build warships for its navy, surpassing a German competitor. Australian officials praised the proposal for being both the best and most cost-effective, marking it as the largest defense industry agreement between Japan and Australia to date.

New Zealand has also been proactive in enhancing its strategic and military partnerships in Asia as part of a recent foreign policy shift that emphasizes Pacific cooperation and security. In July, New Zealand officials disclosed the commencement of a defense logistics agreement with Japan, aimed at facilitating military cooperation between the two nations.

While Japanese naval vessels infrequently visit the southern regions of the Pacific Ocean, the waters around New Zealand, Australia, and smaller Pacific Island nations have gained strategic importance. These regions are increasingly contested by major global powers, resulting in heightened competition for influence between Beijing and Western countries.

Despite its geographical remoteness, New Zealand has found itself involved in tense regional security discussions. In a recent incident, live firing exercises conducted by Chinese naval frigates in the Tasman Sea, which lies between New Zealand and Australia, raised alarms among the governments of both countries, prompting flight diversions on short notice.

The last recorded port visit by a Japanese naval vessel to Wellington dates back to 1936, as noted by New Zealand's military. Although a Japanese ship did visit New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, in 2016, the current event underscores a renewed focus on military diplomacy in the region.

As Japan seeks to fortify its defense relationships and navigate the complexities of the Pacific security landscape, this historical visit may pave the way for deeper ties and collaboration among nations in the region.