US allies New Zealand, Australia sail warships via Taiwan Strait
2 Min Read
A defense official in New Zealand says it was the country's HMNZS Aotearoa that passed through the Taiwan Strait.
-
Royal New Zealand Navy auxiliary ship HMNZS Aotearoa (A11) sails during the at-sea phase of Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) in 2024 (US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Terrin Hartman)
New Zealand's Navy announced on Thursday that it had navigated alongside Australian warships through the Taiwan Strait for the first time in seven years, becoming the latest United States ally to sail military ships via this route.
"HMNZS Aotearoa sailed through the Taiwan Strait with Australian vessel HMAS Sydney from 2:00 pm local time (in the Taiwan Strait) Wednesday, 25 September," a Defense Ministry spokesperson told AFP.
The United States and its allies have repeatedly crossed the Strait, posing a serious threat to China's national security and the stability of the region.
Earlier this month, German warships navigated through the Taiwan Strait for the first time in 22 years.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan made a trip to China earlier this month, becoming the first visit by a US national security advisor to the Asian giant since 2016.
Read more: China conducts rare Pacific ICBM test launch as US grows more hostile
Beijing conveyed its concerns to Sullivan on the Taiwan issue, China's development rights, and strategic security, presented its firm position, and put forward serious demands.
Additionally, during the top US security official, a senior Chinese military officer, Gen. Zhang Youxia, called on the United States to cease its "collusion" with Taiwan.
But Washington, despite the visit, continued to violate the "One China" principle - which it claims it adheres to - most recently by announcing a new military sale to Taiwan worth $228 million.
General Zhang, one of the two vice chairs of the Central Military Commission, told White House Sullivan that advancing what China terms the reunification of Taiwan with the mainland is “the mission and responsibility” of the military.
“China demands that the United States stop military collusion between the US and Taiwan, stop arming Taiwan, and stop spreading false narratives about Taiwan,” the Chinese Defense Ministry statement said.
