China condemned the recent US warship transit through the Taiwan Strait as a “public hype” and stated that its naval and air forces closely monitored the entire movement.
China expressed heightened concern and stated that its military forces were on “constant high alert” after US and Canadian warships conducted a joint passage through the Taiwan Strait on Thursday. This marked the second such operation in just two months, further escalating tensions in the region.
The Chinese Ministry of Defense accused the US and Canada of stoking instability and claimed that the vessels’ transit was a deliberate act to provoke China. It stressed that China’s military had closely monitored and trailed the warships throughout their journey.
In response, China reiterated its strong stance on Taiwan, emphasizing its intention to “resolutely protect” its territorial integrity. The Chinese authorities also warned of potential repercussions if the actions of the US and its allies continued, accusing them of interfering in China’s internal affairs and undermining regional peace.
This joint military operation comes amidst an ongoing strategic rivalry between the US and China, particularly over Taiwan, a self-governed island that China considers a breakaway province. The US has repeatedly conducted freedom-of-navigation operations in the Taiwan Strait, asserting the right to pass through international waters. However, such moves have been consistently condemned by Beijing.
While the US and Canada maintain that their naval passages are routine and legal, China views them as provocative acts that could destabilize the region and challenge its sovereignty over Taiwan. The situation continues to evolve, with both sides signaling their readiness to defend their respective interests.
The USS Rafael Peralta, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, and the Royal Canadian Navy’s HMCS Ottawa, a Halifax-class frigate, conducted a “routine” transit through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday, according to a statement from the US Navy. The operation marked another joint passage by US and Canadian warships through the sensitive waterway, which has become a focal point of rising tensions between the US and China.
The US Navy emphasized that the passage was in line with international law and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining free and open access to international waters. Despite the routine nature of the transit, China condemned the maneuver, accusing the US and Canada of provoking Beijing and undermining regional stability.
China’s Ministry of Defense reacted strongly, asserting that its military forces had closely tracked and monitored the warships’ movements throughout the passage. The Chinese government reiterated its position on Taiwan, emphasizing its determination to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
This incident underscores the ongoing geopolitical friction surrounding Taiwan, with the US and its allies continuing to assert their influence in the region, while China seeks to protect its claims over the island.
“Troops in the theatre remain on constant high alert, and will resolutely protect national sovereignty and security as well as regional peace and stability,” stated Senior Colonel Shi Yi, a spokesperson for China’s Eastern Theatre Command, in a statement. This remark reflects China’s firm stance on defending its territorial claims, particularly in the Taiwan Strait, which it views as part of its sovereign territory. China’s military response underscores the heightened tensions in the region, as the US and its allies continue to assert freedom of navigation rights, while Beijing remains vigilant in safeguarding its strategic interests.
Shi Yi criticized the recent transit as a “public hype” and emphasized that China’s naval and air forces had been closely monitoring the entire movement of the US and Canadian warships. He stated that the Chinese military had tracked the vessels throughout their passage, showcasing China’s readiness to assert its control over the Taiwan Strait and demonstrate its strategic vigilance. This response highlights the ongoing military tension between China and the US, particularly in the sensitive waters of the Taiwan Strait.
The latest passage of the USS Rafael Peralta and HMCS Ottawa follows a similar maneuver on September 9, when two warships from the US and Canada sailed through the Taiwan Strait. This marked the second such joint transit in just two months, further raising tensions in the region. The move underscores the ongoing strategic rivalry between the US, its allies, and China, particularly regarding the sensitive waters surrounding Taiwan, which Beijing views as a part of its territory.
