New Zealand’s Rare Taiwan Strait Passage Raises Global Attention

Post by : Saif Nasser

New Zealand made quiet news this month when its largest navy ship, HMNZS Aotearoa, sailed through the Taiwan Strait. This sea route is one of the world’s most sensitive waterways, and any military movement here often attracts global attention. Although the mission took place on November 5, it was not publicly revealed until now.

New Zealand’s Defence Minister Judith Collins confirmed the event and said the ship’s journey followed international law. She explained that every country has the right to sail through this strait under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This means that the waters are open for peaceful navigation, even if they pass near disputed areas.

However, the Strait is a place where China is highly sensitive. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and says the entire waterway belongs to China, not the international community. The United States, Taiwan, and several Western countries disagree, insisting the strait is an international route where all ships can pass freely. Almost half of the world’s container ships move through this region, making it essential for global trade.

A source familiar with the mission said that Chinese military ships and aircraft closely followed the New Zealand vessel as it traveled through the narrow waterway. According to the source, Chinese fighter jets even performed simulated attack drills nearby. China did not comment on the incident when asked.

Taiwan’s Defence Ministry said its own forces monitored all activity in the region and were prepared to respond if needed. Taiwan also reported that, just a day after the New Zealand ship passed through, China carried out another large military patrol around the island, involving J-16 fighter jets.

HMNZS Aotearoa is not a warship armed with heavy weapons. It is mainly a support vessel used to supply fuel and essential goods to other ships at sea. Even so, its presence in the strait was notable because New Zealand rarely conducts such missions. The last known passage was in 2024, and before that, the country had not sent a ship through the strait since 2017.

New Zealand does not officially recognise Taiwan as a separate country, just like most nations around the world. But it still has friendly ties with Taiwan and maintains a de facto embassy there. Taiwan also values New Zealand as a democratic partner in the region. Both sides have active trade relations, including a free trade agreement that is rare for Taiwan.

New Zealand’s ship was on its way to take part in United Nations missions near North Korea. These missions are meant to enforce sanctions placed on North Korea due to its nuclear weapons program.

The situation in the Taiwan Strait has become more tense in the last five years. China has increased military flights, sea patrols, and even war games around Taiwan. These actions have raised concerns about security in the Indo-Pacific region. The United States sends warships through the strait every few months, and allies like Canada and Britain also conduct occasional transits to show support for free navigation.

New Zealand’s passage adds another moment to a region already filled with friction and uncertainty. While the country says it was simply following international law, the event highlights how even peaceful missions can become part of a larger geopolitical struggle. The world will continue watching the Taiwan Strait closely as tensions remain high and the future of the region becomes increasingly important for global stability.