China’s military has raised concerns over the recent transit of Australian and Canadian warships through the Taiwan Strait, labeling their presence in the region as “causing trouble.” The statement comes as tensions continue to simmer regarding Taiwan, which Beijing considers a part of its territory and claims jurisdiction over the strategic waterway that separates the island from the mainland.
On September 6, the passage occurred involving the Canadian frigate ‘Quebec’ and the Australian destroyer ‘Brisbane.’ Senior Colonel Shi Yi, the spokesperson for the Eastern Theatre Command of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), commented on the incident, asserting that the PLA actively monitored and supervised the warships’ movements with naval and air forces. He described the actions of Canada and Australia as provocative, warning that they send incorrect signals which could heighten security risks in the region.
Shi emphasized that Chinese military forces are constantly on high alert to safeguard national sovereignty and regional stability. He underscored the stance that the military would resolutely defend China’s interests, amidst ongoing tensions over Taiwan. Historically, Beijing has not excluded the option of military force to assert control over the democratic island.
In recent years, China has intensified its military activity around Taiwan, with an increase in the deployment of fighter jets and naval vessels to assert its sovereignty claims, which Taipei continues to reject. Compared to the frequent maneuvers by the United States through the Strait, the recent transits by Australia and Canada signal a growing involvement of Western allies in the region, albeit still relatively less common.
In a related context, China’s military had previously criticized the United Kingdom for its naval patrol vessel’s passage through the Taiwan Strait in June, claiming it undermined peace and stability in the sensitive area. The continued military presence and maneuvers by Western countries in the Strait appear to reflect a broader geopolitical context that highlights the delicate balance of power in the Taiwan Strait and the ongoing contention between Western nations and China regarding its claims over Taiwan and maritime boundaries.
