New Zealand is set to send 60-strong contingent and a P-3K2 Orion surveillance aircraft to Malaysia this week to take part in an annual multi-national exercise in the South China Sea. <br/><br/>The New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF) said yesterday the country is joining Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and the United Kingdom to carry out three weeks of training as part of Exercise Bersama Lima. Bersama Lima is conducted annually by member countries of the Five Power Defence Arrangements, which was signed in 1971.<br/><br/>Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Major General Tim Gall said in a statement strengthening the professional relationships with these countries was important to ensure interoperability.