Canada’s HMCS Ottawa Transits Taiwan Straits Amid Tensions with China

Recently, the HMCS Ottawa, a Halifax-class frigate from the Royal Canadian Navy, traversed the Taiwan Straits, drawing attention from both Taiwanese and Chinese authorities. Taiwan's external affairs office confirmed the ship's navigation through these contentious waters, while its defense department reported the detection of 24 aircraft from the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) engaged in coordinated military drills alongside naval vessels on the same day.

Chinese military analyst Song Zhongping remarked that the frigate’s transit sends misleading signals to Taiwan's secessionist movements, suggesting they may find support from external forces in their quest for independence. He emphasized that the situation regarding Taiwan is crucial to China's national integrity, asserting that China has the capability to deal with the Taiwan issue independently and that no foreign intervention can alter this reality.

The HMCS Ottawa has been active in close proximity to Chinese territorial waters since the year's start, with previous reports indicating that Chinese naval and air forces monitored the frigate's activities in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. Song noted that the presence of a single Canadian warship does not significantly threaten China, describing it as a routine and justified action for the PLA to track foreign military vessels in adjacent waters.

This incident follows recent transits by U.S. naval vessels through the Taiwan Straits, which were similarly monitored by the PLA. U.S. naval actions, according to the PLA Eastern Theater Command, are considered provocations that escalate security risks, prompting the PLA to remain vigilant in defending China's sovereignty and maintaining regional stability.