- Taiwan detects 24 Chinese military aircraft near the island during Canadian warship’s passage.
- The HMCS Ottawa becomes the first Canadian naval vessel to transit Taiwan Strait in 2025.
- Chinese military issues warning to the Canadian warship during the transit.
- Earlier in February, two U.S. Navy ships transited the Taiwan Strait, drawing China’s criticism.
- Taiwan’s defense ministry reports increasing Chinese military activity around Taiwan.
On February 16, Taiwan’s defense ministry reported the detection of 24 Chinese military aircraft near the island as the Canadian warship, HMCS Ottawa, passed through the Taiwan Strait. This marks the first Canadian naval vessel to navigate the strategic waterway in 2025, following a similar passage by US ships earlier in the month.
The Taiwan Strait, an internationally significant waterway, is frequently traversed by foreign military vessels. However, this often provokes a strong reaction from China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory.
Canada’s Firm Stance on Taiwan Strait
According to Taiwan’s foreign ministry, Canada’s decision to send a ship through the Taiwan Strait signals a strong endorsement of the freedom of navigation in international waters. Canada emphasized that the passage of HMCS Ottawa reflects the country’s commitment to supporting the peaceful and open use of the strait.
The ministry described the move as a “concrete action” to reaffirm the strait’s status as international waters, resisting China’s growing territorial assertions over the region.
Chinese Military Activity Escalates
Taiwan’s defense ministry confirmed that 24 Chinese military aircraft were near Taiwan. These included fighter jets and drones. They were reportedly on “joint combat readiness patrols.” This event adds to China’s growing military presence around Taiwan, which it sees as a potential breakaway province.
The flight activity follows a pattern China has followed for months. The country regularly conducts military exercises around Taiwan. This is part of China’s effort to assert control over the region and discourage foreign vessels from passing through.
As the Canadian warship sailed through the Taiwan Strait, Chinese military forces warned it. They told the vessel to change its course. This action is part of China’s ongoing opposition to foreign military presence in the area.
Despite the warning, the HMCS Ottawa proceeded without hesitation. This incident is just one of many where China confronts foreign military ships in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan’s media called it a sharp reminder of the region’s complex security situation.
Earlier US Navy Passage Through Taiwan Strait
Just days before the Canadian warship’s passage, two US Navy ships – a destroyer and an ocean survey ship – transited the Taiwan Strait, sparking a strong reaction from China’s military. The Chinese government criticized the US Navy’s actions, claiming they escalated tensions and sent the “wrong signal.” China’s military warned that such operations increased security risks in the region.
In total, 62 Chinese military aircraft were detected by Taiwan’s defense ministry in the 48 hours leading up to February 13, coinciding with the US Navy’s presence in the strait. This suggests a pattern of Chinese military mobilizations in response to foreign naval activities.
Increased Chinese Military Presence Around Taiwan
The growing presence of Chinese military assets around Taiwan highlights Beijing’s strategy to assert dominance over the region. In recent years, Taiwan has observed a rising frequency of Chinese military exercises, involving both aerial and naval forces, particularly in response to foreign vessels transiting the Taiwan Strait.
Taiwan’s government remains adamant about the right to defend its sovereignty and maintain the Taiwan Strait as an international waterway, free from any military interference.
The Strategic Importance of the Taiwan Strait
The Taiwan Strait has become a major hotspot for tensions between China, the US, and Canada. China claims the region as part of its territory, while the world insists it remains a crucial global shipping route. It’s essential for this area to stay free of military restrictions.
Recently, the US and Canada have increased military operations in the region, provoking strong responses from China. These actions are showing just how important the Taiwan Strait is. It’s at the heart of the ongoing battle for influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
With military activity on the rise, global observers are watching closely. They’ll be focused on how the relationship between China and the international community develops in the coming months.