China's military strongly criticized the presence of a Canadian warship in the Taiwan Strait, emphasizing that its air and naval forces closely monitored and cautioned the ship during its recent mission, which occurred shortly after similar actions were observed.
The U.S. Navy, alongside vessels from allied nations such as Canada, Britain, and France, typically navigates the strait around once a month. China, asserting Taiwan as its own territory, insists on its control over the strategic waterway.
The People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre Command stated that Canada's maneuvers were provocative, disturbing peace and stability in the region. The Command further emphasized its readiness to counter any threats or provocations.
The Canadian military refrained from immediate comment on the issue.
Both the Chinese and Taiwanese governments identified the ship as the Ottawa. Taiwan's defense ministry noted the ship's northward trajectory and confirmed continuous monitoring by Taiwanese forces.
Taiwan's foreign ministry praised Canada's actions, affirming support for the defense of freedom, peace, and openness in the Taiwan Strait, underscoring that it is international waters.
In a separate incident last October, a U.S. and a Canadian warship also sailed through the strait shortly after China conducted military drills near the island.
Taiwan's democratically-elected government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, emphasizing that the island's future should be determined by its people.