A Canadian warship recently sailed through the Taiwan Strait, a narrow waterway separating Taiwan from mainland China. This move has sparked anger in Beijing, which claims jurisdiction over the area. China’s military issued a strong statement, condemning Canada’s actions as a deliberate attempt to create trouble and disrupt peace in the region.
Beijing responded swiftly by deploying its air and naval forces around the area. The Chinese military vowed to “resolutely counter all threats and provocations,” signaling its determination to maintain control over the strait. However, Canada has not issued an immediate statement regarding its decision to navigate through the contested waters.
The Taiwan Strait is a vital passage that connects the East China Sea and the South China Sea. Many countries, including the United States and its allies like Canada, Britain, and France, view it as an international waterway open for all to use. However, China insists that it has control over the area, leading to repeated tensions when foreign vessels pass through.
US and Allies Frequently Navigate the Strait
Canada’s warship sailed through the Taiwan Strait just days after two American vessels made the same journey. A US destroyer and an ocean survey ship passed through the strait earlier this month, triggering a similar response from Beijing. China accused the US of sending “the wrong signal” and increasing security risks in the region.
The US and its allies frequently conduct operations in the Taiwan Strait as a demonstration of their commitment to free and open international waters. Taiwan, a self-ruled island that China claims as its own, welcomed Canada’s presence in the strait. Taiwan’s defense ministry stated that Canada’s actions reinforced its commitment to maintaining peace and freedom in the region.
This is not the first time Canada has navigated these waters alongside its allies. Last year, shortly after China conducted large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, both a Canadian and a US warship sailed through the strait together. These passages, often called “freedom of navigation” operations, highlight the ongoing dispute between China and Western nations over control of the Taiwan Strait.
China’s Military Ramps Up Activity Near Taiwan
Alongside its condemnation of Canada’s actions, China has been increasing its military presence near Taiwan. On the same day that China criticized Canada’s warship, Taiwan’s defense ministry reported spotting 41 Chinese aircraft and nine warships near its territory within the past 24 hours.
China frequently sends its military forces near Taiwan as a show of strength. These operations have become more common, especially after Taiwan strengthened its ties with the US and other Western nations. Beijing views such actions as threats to its sovereignty and often responds with aggressive military maneuvers.
The Taiwan Strait remains a geopolitical hotspot, with China, Taiwan, the US, and other global powers closely monitoring every military movement. Each time a foreign warship crosses the strait, tensions rise, making the region one of the most sensitive flashpoints in Asia.
