TAIPEI (TVBS News) — New Zealand's Defense Force revealed Tuesday (Dec. 9) that its largest naval vessel encountered a Taiwanese warship in the Taiwan Strait last month. The New Zealand Navy released photos of the encounter, marking a rare public disclosure of Taiwanese military operations. Seven Chinese military vessels followed the HMNZS Aotearoa during its transit.
The HMNZS Aotearoa traveled through the Taiwan Strait on Nov. 5, heading from the South China Sea to North Asia. Seven Chinese military vessels followed the Aotearoa at a safe and professional distance during the transit. A photo published on the New Zealand Defense Force's website shows a New Zealand sailor observing a distant warship through binoculars.
A New Zealand Defense Force spokesperson told Reuters the Taiwanese warship was a Cheng Kung-class frigate (成功級巡防艦). The vessel is a domestically produced modified version of the U.S. Navy's Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (國防部) has yet to respond to requests for comment on the unusual operational images release.
A senior Taiwanese security official explained Taiwan routinely provides escort to vessels from like-minded countries transiting the Taiwan Strait. The official acknowledged the risk of harassment or simulated attacks by Chinese forces. New Zealand and Taiwan maintain economic and trade offices in each other's capitals despite lacking formal diplomatic ties. ◼