It was the first time a New Zealand naval ship had passed through the strait since 2017, she added in a statement. A Japanese newspaper earlier reported that the two vessels were joined by Japanese Self Defense Force destroyer Sazanami. Collins' statement only mentioned New Zealand and Australia.

Naval vessels from New Zealand and Australia sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday, according to a statement from New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins on Thursday. The two ships sailed through the contested strait from 2pm local time on Wednesday in what Collins described as a routine activity consistent with international law.