The United States and Canada sent warships through the Taiwan Strait on Sunday, prompting a stern warning from China, which accused the nations of undermining peace in the region. According to the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet, the USS Higgins, a guided-missile destroyer, and the Royal Canadian Navy’s frigate HMCS Vancouver conducted what was described as a “routine” transit through the strait.
In a statement, the U.S. 7th Fleet emphasized the importance of upholding freedom of navigation, asserting that the ships passed through an international corridor beyond any nation’s territorial waters. The voyage was framed as a demonstration of the U.S. and Canada’s commitment to ensuring free passage through global waters.
China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) condemned the operation, with spokesperson Li Xi warning that the passage of the warships “disrupted the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait.” China, which views Taiwan as part of its territory, has long objected to foreign military presence in the area.
Li added that China’s naval and air forces closely monitored the warships as they transited through the strait. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry confirmed the operation, stating that its forces maintained full control over the surrounding sea and airspace. The situation, they noted, remained stable.
This latest maritime operation underscores the ongoing tensions in the region, as Western allies challenge China’s claims over the Taiwan Strait, advocating for open access to international waters.–News Desk