TAIPEI, Taiwan — On Sunday, warships from the United States and Canada traversed the Taiwan Strait, just days after China conducted extensive military drills in the area, which it considers part of its territory.
According to a statement from the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet issued on Monday, the USS Higgins destroyer and HMCS Vancouver frigate carried out a “routine” passage through the Strait, aimed at affirming the principle of freedom of navigation for all nations involved.
The U.S. Navy routinely conducts operations in this strategically important waterway, often accompanied by allied naval forces, as it separates Taiwan from mainland China.
In response, China criticized the naval activity, asserting that it disrupts peace and stability within the region.
The Eastern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army reported that it had deployed naval and aerial forces to observe the movement of the U.S. and Canadian vessels “in compliance with the law.”
According to the 7th Fleet’s statement, the ships operated “in waters where high-seas freedom of navigation and overflight apply in accordance with international law.” It further emphasized that “the international community’s navigational rights and freedoms in the Taiwan Strait should not be restricted.”
This naval passage occurred shortly after China executed large-scale military exercises around Taiwan and its adjacent islands the previous Monday. These drills simulated the blockade of critical ports, illustrating the heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
During these exercises, China mobilized a record 125 aircraft along with its Liaoning aircraft carrier and other naval vessels as a reaction to remarks made by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te during a National Day speech. President Lai highlighted his resolve to “resist annexation or encroachment” from Beijing.
Historically, Taiwan was a colony of Japan before being unified with China at the end of World War II. It became separate in 1949 when the Nationalist forces led by Chiang Kai-shek retreated to the island following their defeat by Mao Zedong’s Communist army.
The United States remains Taiwan’s largest unofficial ally and is mandated by its laws to assist the island in maintaining its defense capabilities.