New Zealand naval ships transit contested Taiwan Strait

On Monday, New Zealand's Defence Force announced that two of its naval ships had navigated the Taiwan Strait, amid escalating tensions over the waterway. The September 18 transits were conducted by the naval frigate Te Mana and the oiler Aotearoa, as part of a three-month deployment in the Indo-Pacific region. New Zealand, which lacks formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, recognizes the island as an important democratic ally and maintains de facto embassies in Taipei and Beijing.

The Defence Force spokesman emphasized that these deployments underscore New Zealand's ongoing commitment to the Indo-Pacific region. However, China's defense ministry did not immediately comment on the matter. China asserts sole sovereignty and jurisdiction over the Taiwan Strait, despite Taiwan's rejection of Beijing's claims. Both the United States and Taiwan maintain that the strait is an international waterway, vital for the transit of approximately half of global container ships.

During the most recent transit, Chinese forces tracked and followed the Aotearoa, as reported by a source familiar with the situation to Reuters. During the voyage, Chinese aircraft conducted simulated attacks on the vessel. New Zealand is one of only two countries, alongside Singapore, to have a free trade agreement with Taiwan. The source noted that Chinese ships and aircraft were present throughout the transit, with Chinese jets engaging in simulated combat maneuvers.

Notably, US warships transit the Taiwan Strait every few months, drawing Beijing's criticism. Some US allies, including Canada and Britain, have also made occasional transits through the strait. China's military activities around Taiwan have intensified over the past five years, encompassing war games and other aggressive maneuvers. China has never ruled out the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control.