The Taiwan Strait remains a focal point of geopolitical tension as the Canadian warship Ottawa recently navigated the contentious waters. The strait, viewed by the United States and its allies as an international waterway, sees regular transits from countries like Canada, Britain, and France. However, China asserts sovereignty over the strait, a claim firmly rejected by Taiwan. The democratically-elected government of Taiwan maintains that the destiny of the island lies solely in the hands of its people.
In October, a U.S. and Canadian warship jointly sailed through the Taiwan Strait, shortly after China conducted military exercises around Taiwan. This joint navigation marks a continued effort by allied nations to assert the strait's status as international waters. Last week saw the first U.S. Navy ships traversing the strait since President Donald Trump took office, prompting a strong response from Beijing.
"The Taiwan Strait is absolutely not within the scope of China's sovereignty," – Taiwan's defence ministry
Taiwan's defense ministry highlighted that freedom of navigation by allied countries underscores the strait's legal status as international waters, countering China's narrative of the strait being an internal issue. In response to these maritime passages, China has initiated "joint combat readiness patrols," with their military detecting 41 Chinese aircraft and nine ships concentrated near the strait and Taiwan's southwest.
"Canada has once again taken concrete actions to defend the freedom, peace and openness of the Taiwan Strait and has demonstrated its firm position that the Taiwan Strait is international waters," – Taiwan's foreign ministry
The Taiwanese forces monitored the Ottawa as it sailed northward through the strait. This navigation comes amidst heightened military activity from China, which Taiwan has consistently criticized. The People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre Command reiterated their alertness to counter perceived threats and provocations.
"Theatre forces maintain a high level of alert at all times and resolutely counter all threats and provocations," – China's People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre Command
China's military openly criticized Canada's naval actions through the strait, while the Canadian military has yet to comment on this development. Taiwanese officials argue that peace in the Taiwan Strait is a global concern, not just for Taiwan but for all free and democratic nations worldwide.
"Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is not only a matter of concern for Taiwan but also a common concern for free and democratic countries around the world," – Taiwan's defence ministry
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