The New Zealand Navy sailed a military vessel through the Taiwan Strait for the first time in seven years, according to an announcement on Thursday.
As per the news agency AFP, the HMNZS Aotearoa, a relief ship, completed the passage along with the Australian-guided missile destroyer, HMAS Sydney, on Wednesday.
New Zealand, which has significant trade relations with China, usually avoids military actions in the Taiwan Strait.The last passage by a New Zealand navy vessel in the strait occurred in 2017, en route to the Chinese port of Qingdao.
“This was a routine activity, consistent with international law, including the right of freedom of navigation,” stated a defence spokesperson.
The United States and its allies often conduct similar operations in the Taiwan Strait to affirm their navigation rights. China, however, regards Taiwan as a province and claims sovereignty over the Taiwan Strait.
Wednesday’s operation was not coordinated with Japan, which reportedly also navigated a warship through the strait for the first time. “It was not done with a Japanese ship,” clarified the defence official.
On Wednesday, New Zealand also condemned China’s launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile that landed in the South Pacific, describing it as “unwelcome and concerning.”
In March, New Zealand attributed a 2021 cyberattack on sensitive government systems to a Chinese “state-sponsored group”.
New Zealand is currently revamping its defence forces and foreign policy. It is also considering joining AUKUS, a trilateral security pact featuring Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, to develop advanced military technologies.
Some high-profile New Zealanders, such as former Prime Minister Helen Clark, have cautioned against provoking China and increasing reliance on the United States.
New Zealand’s centre-right government, elected last year, has increasingly aligned with traditional allies, including the United States, Britain, and Australia. The government has also stepped up its criticism of Beijing.