In a move that has reignited discussions on maritime freedom and sovereignty, the Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Ottawa transited the Taiwan Strait over the weekend, drawing a sharp rebuke from China.
On Sunday, February 16, HMCS Ottawa conducted what Ottawa described as a “routine transit” through these geopolitically sensitive waters, a passage that has been closely monitored due to the ongoing tensions between China, Taiwan, and international actors.
According to information available on the web, China’s reaction was swift. The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) organized naval and air forces to track and monitor the Canadian vessel throughout its passage. Senior Colonel Li Xi, a spokesperson for the command, criticized the transit as an act that “deliberately stirred up trouble” and undermined peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
The Canadian transit comes at a time when the Taiwan Strait, a body of water just 180 kilometers wide at its narrowest point, remains a focal point of international disputes. China claims sovereignty over Taiwan and considers the strait part of its territorial waters, while most countries, including Canada, view it as international waters where freedom of navigation should be upheld.
This incident follows a pattern of international naval operations in the region, aimed at asserting navigational rights. Canadian warships, alongside those from the U.S. and other allies, have occasionally made such transits, often leading to confrontations or shadowing by Chinese military forces. Posts on X have noted the routine nature of these operations but highlighted the increasing boldness of China’s responses, with one user describing China’s actions as “threats everywhere, in every form, all at once.”
Canada, under its Indo-Pacific Strategy launched in 2022, has incrementally increased its naval presence in the region to support a “free, open, and inclusive” Indo-Pacific. The transit by HMCS Ottawa was seen by some as a reaffirmation of this commitment, with Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanking Canada for safeguarding freedom of navigation and peace in the strait.
The Chinese reaction underscores the delicate balance of diplomacy and military posturing in the region. China’s Ministry of National Defense has urged Canada to acknowledge the facts, cease hyping incidents, and ensure stricter control over its maritime forces to prevent future misunderstandings or escalations.
The international community watches these developments closely, as they could have implications not only for regional stability but also for global trade routes and international law concerning freedom of navigation. The incident with HMCS Ottawa adds another layer to the complex tapestry of international relations in the Asia-Pacific, where every move is scrutinized for its potential to either soothe or stoke the flames of tension.
HMCS OTTAWA (canada.ca)