China Condemns Canadian Warship Passage Through Taiwan Strait
On Monday, the Chinese military condemned the passage of a Canadian warship through the Taiwan Strait over the weekend, claiming that it "harms regional peace and stability."
China’s Claim over Taiwan
China asserts that Taiwan is one of its provinces, despite failing to fully unify it with the mainland since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949. The Asian giant favors peaceful reunification but does not rule out the use of military force. It perceives any perceived hostile transit through the strait, which separates Taiwan from the mainland, as an infringement on its sovereignty.
Canadian Warship Passage
On Sunday, a Canadian warship sailed through the strait, according to Taiwanese authorities. Days earlier, two American vessels had done the same.
China’s Response
"This deliberately provokes trouble and harms regional peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," said Li Xi, spokesperson for the Chinese military’s Eastern Theater Command.
In a statement, Li emphasized that China deployed naval and air assets to monitor the ship’s passage and that the military "will firmly counter any threats or provocations."
Taiwanese Detection
Amidst the heightened tensions, the Taiwanese Ministry of Defense reported on Monday morning that it had detected 41 Chinese aircraft and nine military vessels near Taiwan in the past 24 hours.
U.S. and Allied Presence
The United States and some of its military allies routinely transit the strait, claiming to maintain its status as an international waterway.
On February 10, two American vessels, a destroyer and an oceanographic survey ship, entered the strait. China denounced it as a "wrong signal" that emboldens pro-independence elements in Taiwan and "raises security risks" in the region.
This was the first passage by the U.S. Navy since the inauguration of President Donald Trump in January.
Historical Background
The Taiwan Strait has been a flashpoint for tensions between China and Taiwan for decades. China’s aggressive military exercises, including the firing of missiles over the island, have drawn international criticism.
In May 2022, the United States sent two aircraft carriers to the strait in response to China’s show of force. Both sides have since engaged in high-level diplomatic talks to reduce tensions.
International Concerns
The latest incident underscores the ongoing tensions and the potential for conflict in the Taiwan Strait. International observers are concerned about the escalating rhetoric and military activities in the region, fearing that they could spiral out of control.
Countries in the region and around the world are urging all parties to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to resolve their differences peacefully.
