The Chinese military said it closely monitored the Canadian vessel and warned it during its passage on February 16, which came just days after two U.S. Navy ships made similar trips.

The Canadian ship involved was the HMCS Ottawa, a Halifax-class frigate. This is the third Western warship to pass through the Taiwan Strait recently.

Two U.S. Navy ships, the USS Ralph Johnson and the USNS Bowditch, sailed through the waterway on February 10.

The Chinese military said its forces, both naval and air, were deployed to keep an eye on the ship and stated they would “resolutely counter all threats and provocations.”

The Taiwan Strait is a critical waterway that separates Taiwan from mainland China. Taiwan and many Western nations consider it international waters, while China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, insists it controls the strait.

China’s military warned that Canada’s actions “undermine peace and stability” in the region.

Taiwan welcomed the Canadian ship’s passage, viewing it as a reaffirmation that the Taiwan Strait should be open to all nations. Taiwan has long rejected China’s claims and insists only the people of Taiwan should decide their future.

Taiwan’s defence ministry reported that Chinese military activity around the island has been increasing. In the last 24 hours, Taiwan detected 41 Chinese aircraft and nine ships in the area, many of them near the Taiwan Strait.

In September 2024, German warships sailed through for the first time in 22 years, and New Zealand and Australia also sent ships through the strait. These actions have angered China, which sees foreign ships as a challenge to its territorial claims.

In response to these foreign naval movements, China has launched military drills, warning Taiwan and its allies against “separatist” actions.

China insists that Taiwan must be reunified with the mainland, even by force if necessary. Chinese officials, including President Xi Jinping, have repeatedly stated that Taiwan’s reunification is inevitable and cannot be stopped despite foreign interference.

Taiwan’s government, elected by its people, rejects China’s claim over the island, saying the future of Taiwan should be decided by its people, not by Beijing.