China has condemned the joint passage of Canadian and Australian naval vessels through the Taiwan Strait, calling it a “provocative” move that raises regional security risks.
The People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theater Command said it deployed ships and aircraft to track the Canadian frigate HMCS Ville de Québec and the Australian destroyer HMAS Brisbane, accusing them of “stirring up trouble” and vowing to remain on high alert to safeguard “national sovereignty and regional stability.”
Australia’s Defence Department said HMAS Brisbane conducted a routine transit on September 6–7 in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, asserting its right to freedom of navigation. Canada did not disclose specific details of its voyage but stressed that its operations form part of efforts to support peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Taiwan’s Defence Ministry said it closely monitored the passage and deployed assets to ensure safety and stability.
The U.S. and its allies, including Canada and Australia, conduct regular transits through the strait, which they consider international waters. China rejects that view, insisting the strait falls within its territorial claims.