New Zealand Warships Sail Through Taiwan Strait

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Wellington: Two New Zealand naval vessels, the frigate Te Mana and the oiler Aotearoa, transited the Taiwan Strait as part of a three-month Indo-Pacific deployment on September 18,according to the Defence Force.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described the transit as a normal exercise carried out safely and in accordance with international law in international waters. China claims authority and jurisdiction over the strait, although Taiwan, the United States, and others see it as an international waterway.

The ships are travelling to the Philippines for a combined drill. According to a source quoted by sources, Chinese soldiers observed Aotearoa's previous crossing in November 2025, and Chinese jets performed simulated attacks.