Canadian Warship's Taiwan Strait Transit Sparks Tensions

A Canadian warship, HMCS Montreal, passed through Taiwan Strait, asserting Canada's commitment to a free Indo-Pacific. China's People's Liberation Army condemned the move, stating it disrupted peace and stability. Canada's Defense Minister emphasized increasing naval presence in the region, highlighting the occasional passage of U.S. and Canadian vessels.

A Canadian warship, HMCS Montreal, navigated the contentious Taiwan Strait, reinforcing Canada's commitment to an open Indo-Pacific. This move, conducted on July 31, prompted China's rebuke, accusing Canada of undermining regional peace. The defense ministry states the transit is part of Canada's 2022 Indo-Pacific Strategy.

Defence Minister Bill Blair announced the increased presence of the Royal Canadian Navy in the Indo-Pacific. Meanwhile, Li Xi from the PLA's Eastern Theater Command labeled the passage as a disruption to peace. China maintains its claim over the Taiwan Strait, a stance contested by Taiwan and the U.S., who consider it an international waterway.

U.S. warships frequently traverse the strait with occasional Canadian collaborations, such as last year's joint transit with USS Rafael Peralta. Tensions spiked during a similar drill last June, with a Chinese vessel nearing a U.S. destroyer. Taiwan asserts its military control over the region during the Canadian frigate's passage.

(With inputs from agencies.)