China slams Australia, Canada over warships in Taiwan Strait
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China has condemned Canada and Australia for sailing warships through the Taiwan Strait, calling the move provocative and destabilizing.
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The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) conducts bilateral operations with Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331) during routine operations in the Taiwan Strait Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024 (Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Trevor Hale/U.S. Navy via AP)
China has strongly criticized Canada and Australia after naval vessels from both countries transited the Taiwan Strait, accusing them of escalating regional tensions and "causing trouble."
According to Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theatre Command, the Canadian frigate Quebec and the Australian destroyer Brisbane sailed through the sensitive waterway on September 6.
"The Canadian frigate 'Quebec' and the Australian destroyer 'Brisbane' transited the Taiwan Strait, causing trouble and provoking," Shi said in a statement.
He added that the PLA "organized naval and air forces to monitor and supervise their entire transits, effectively responding and handling the situation."
"The actions of Canada and Australia send the wrong signals and increase security risks," he warned, stating that Chinese forces remain on high alert to "resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and security and regional peace and stability."
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Taiwan Strait becomes flashpoint in rising tensions
The Taiwan Strait, which separates the self-governed island of Taiwan from the Chinese mainland, has become a major flashpoint amid growing Taiwan tensions. China views Taiwan as an integral part of its territory and claims jurisdiction over the surrounding waters, a position not recognized by many Western nations.
Beijing has not ruled out the use of force to assert control over Taiwan and has intensified its military presence around the island in recent years. This includes the frequent deployment of fighter jets and naval vessels.
Western naval presence grows in contested waters
While the United States routinely sends warships through the strait as part of its so-called "freedom of navigation" operations, other Western allies, including the UK, Canada, and Australia, have also increased their naval presence, albeit less frequently.
In June, Beijing similarly condemned the United Kingdom for dispatching a naval patrol vessel through the strait, accusing it of "undermining peace and stability."
