China Condemns U.S. and Canadian Warships’ Passage Through Taiwan Strait

BEIJING, China — A spokesperson for the Chinese military criticized the United States and Canada on Monday, accusing them of disrupting peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait after their warships transited through the contested waters.

Li Xi, a spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), issued a statement condemning the passage of the U.S. destroyer USS Higgins and the Canadian frigate HMCS Vancouver through the Taiwan Strait on Sunday. Li emphasized that the PLA remains on high alert and is committed to safeguarding China’s national sovereignty and security, as well as maintaining regional peace.

“The actions of the United States and Canada have disrupted the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait,” Li said. “The Eastern Theater Command of the PLA closely followed and monitored the vessels’ transit throughout the process and responded in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.”

The Taiwan Strait, which separates mainland China from the self-governed island of Taiwan, is a major flashpoint in U.S.-China relations. Beijing considers Taiwan to be part of its territory and has vowed to bring the island under its control, by force if necessary. The United States, while not formally recognizing Taiwan as an independent nation, has long supported Taiwan through arms sales and diplomatic efforts, drawing sharp criticism from Beijing.

The presence of U.S. and allied warships in the region has become a frequent source of tension between China and the West. These transits are often framed by Washington and its partners as demonstrations of their commitment to a “free and open Indo-Pacific,” while Beijing sees them as provocative maneuvers aimed at undermining Chinese sovereignty.

Sunday’s transit by U.S. and Canadian vessels comes amid rising concerns over military activities in the region. The PLA has conducted frequent drills near Taiwan, and tensions have escalated in recent months as Chinese military aircraft have increased flights across the median line of the strait, an unofficial boundary between Taiwan and China.

In response to the latest naval passage, the Chinese military reiterated its commitment to maintaining a high level of preparedness. “We remain on high alert at all times and will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and security,” Li said.

As the Taiwan issue continues to be a focal point in U.S.-China relations, both sides are closely watching each other’s moves in the region, with concerns about potential military escalations growing.

This latest incident underscores the continuing strain in U.S.-China relations, particularly over Taiwan, with no signs of a resolution in sight.