China Condemns Canadian Warship’s Passage Through Taiwan Strait

China has strongly condemned the recent transit of a Canadian warship through the Taiwan Strait, asserting that such actions undermine regional stability and provoke tensions. The Canadian vessel, HMCS Vancouver, made its passage on February 16, 2025, drawing immediate ire from Beijing, which labeled the move as a violation of China’s sovereignty.

The Taiwan Strait, a critical waterway separating Taiwan from mainland China, has been a focal point of military and geopolitical tensions in recent years, particularly due to China’s increased assertiveness in the region. 

In response to the Canadian warship’s passage, the Chinese government underscored its commitment to defending its territorial integrity, denouncing the maneuver as a provocative action that could escalate tensions further.

Canadian officials have defended the warship’s mission as part of routine maritime operations aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation in international waters. The Canadian Ministry of National Defence emphasized the importance of upholding international law, asserting that such operations reflect Canada’s commitment to security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

As China continues to express its discontent over external naval presence in the Taiwan Strait, experts suggest that the incident may exacerbate the already strained relations between Beijing and Western nations. 

Observers note that the heightened rhetoric and military posturing surrounding such passages contribute to an environment of uncertainty and potential conflict in one of the world’s most strategically vital regions.