Canadian presence in Taiwan Strait threatens regional peace: China
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China tracks a Canadian frigate's transit through the Taiwan Strait in readiness to counter any hostility.
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Ships move through the Taiwan Strait as seen from the closest point in mainland China to the island of Taiwan, in Pingtan in southeastern China's Fujian Province, on August 5, 2022. (AP)
The passage of the HMCS Montreal Canadian frigate through the Taiwan Strait diminishes regional stability and peace, a spokesperson for the Chinese People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theater Command said on Wednesday.
"The act of the Canadian side disturbs the situation and undermines peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, " Li Xi said, adding that the Chinese army will remain on high alert in preparation to respond and counter all threats and provocations.
The frigate, which passed through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday, was monitored by the Chinese naval and air forces. The situation was handled as per international law and regulations, the armed forces affirmed.
China has long opposed Western military presence in Taiwan, saying it undermined regional security and provoked hostility between the island and the motherland.
China suspends arms control talks with US over arming Taiwan
In July, China announced that it stopped important arms control and non-proliferation negotiations with the United States, accusing Washington of continuing military supplies to Taiwan.
Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, announced that the US continued to sell weapons to Taiwan despite Beijing's objections. The US actions had "severely damaged the political atmosphere necessary for continued arms control consultations between the two sides," he said.
During a press briefing, Lin announced that "China has decided to suspend talks with the US on holding a new round of arms control and non-proliferation consultations," adding that "the responsibility for this situation lies entirely with the US," directly accusing Washington for the interruption of discussions.
China was eager to continue communicating with the US on the subject but only if "the US respects China's core interests and creates the necessary conditions for dialogue and exchange between the two sides," he added.
