China Condemns Canadian Warship’s Taiwan Strait Passage

China’s military has condemned the passage of the Canadian frigate HMCS Ottawa through the Taiwan Strait, accusing Canada of provocation and warning of countermeasures.

The transit, which took place on Sunday, was closely monitored by China’s naval and air forces, with military radio warnings reportedly issued to the warship. The U.S. and its allies frequently transit the 180 km (112-mile) Taiwan Strait to assert their status as an international waterway, drawing sharp criticism from China.

Eastern Theater Command Spokesperson Li Xihai said the Chinese military “monitored and responded to” the situation by dispatching air and naval assets to track the vessel. Li described the passage as a deliberate act to stir up trouble and vowed that China would stay on high alert to counter any perceived threats.

The HMCS Ottawa, a Halifax-class frigate, is the first Canadian warship to transit the strait this year, marking Canada’s sixth such passage under its Indo-Pacific Strategy. The move comes amid growing international naval activity in the contested waterway, with the U.S. and its allies conducting regular freedom of navigation operations.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence reported on Sunday that 24 Chinese military aircraft, including fighter jets and drones, conducted joint combat readiness patrols with Chinese naval vessels near the island as the Canadian ship passed through. The ministry also confirmed that China’s military radioed warnings to the frigate, urging it to change course.

Taiwan further reported that 62 Chinese military aircraft were detected near the island in the 48 hours surrounding the U.S. operation.

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) welcomed the transit, calling it a clear demonstration of Canada’s commitment to maintaining a free and open Taiwan Strait. MOFA reiterated that the strait is international waters and praised Canada’s stance on peace and regional stability.

The Canadian warship’s passage follows a recent U.S. naval operation in the strait, where a U.S. destroyer and an ocean survey ship made the transit just days earlier.