China’s military has condemned the recent passage of Canadian and Australian warships through the Taiwan Strait, labeling the move as a provocative act that escalates regional security tensions.
On September 6, 2025, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theatre Command reported that its air and naval forces closely monitored and issued warnings to the Canadian frigate Ville de Quebec and the Australian guided-missile destroyer Brisbane during their transit.
The PLA accused both nations of stirring up trouble and increasing security risks in the region.
The Taiwan Strait, a narrow waterway separating mainland China from Taiwan, is considered by Beijing to be part of its territorial waters.
However, Taiwan and many other countries, including Canada and Australia, regard it as international waters.
The United States and its allies frequently conduct freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) in the strait to assert the principle of free passage in international waters.
Taiwan’s defense ministry confirmed it monitored the transit of the foreign warships and deployed appropriate air and naval forces to maintain stability in the area.
The Taiwanese government has consistently rejected China’s territorial claims over the strait, emphasizing its status as an international waterway.
Neither the Canadian nor Australian governments have issued official statements regarding the incident.
However, both nations have previously expressed their commitment to upholding international maritime law and ensuring freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region.
This incident underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Taiwan Strait, where military activities by various nations continue to provoke strong reactions from China.
The PLA’s condemnation reflects its broader strategy to assert control over the region and deter foreign military presence near its claimed territories.