Seven Chinese warships shadowed New Zealand navy vessel in East Asia

Monday 8 December 2025 · 4 outlets · 3 reports · updated Tue 9 Dec 2025, 6:00am

In this story New Zealand Defence Force, Royal New Zealand Navy, HMNZS Aotearoa

The HMNZS Aotearoa was monitored by seven Chinese warships while patrolling the East China and Yellow Seas. The New Zealand Defence Force confirmed the vessel was conducting surveillance and deterrence activities to support United Nations sanctions against North Korea.

How they headlined it

15h

Mon 12:22pm2:50pmTue 6am

1. NZ HeraldMon 8 Dec 2025, 12:22pm

   New Zealand navy patrolling East Asia waters shadowed by seven different Chinese warships, NZDF says (opens in new tab)

2. Otago Daily TimesMon 8 Dec 2025, 2:50pm

   Seven Chinese warships shadow NZ Navy vessel (opens in new tab)

3. 1News via RNZTue 9 Dec 2025, 6:00am

   NZ navy ship shadowed by seven Chinese warships (opens in new tab)

   Also on RNZ (opens in new tab)