The Chinese rebuked Ottawa for the exercise, saying it undermined the peace.

The Canadian defense ministry announced that the HMCS Montreal had recently conducted a routine passage through the strait. According to the minister of defence, this was a reaffirmation by Canada of its commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

Bill Blair, Canada's Defence Minister, said that Canada, as outlined in its Indo-Pacific Strategy (announced in 2022), is increasing its presence in the Indo-Pacific Region.

Li Xi said that the passing of the Canadian frigate, on the 31st July, had "harassed and disrupted" the situation, and had undermined the peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

He added that China's soldiers were always on alert and "prepared to respond to any threats or provocations."

China asserts sovereignty over Taiwan and claims jurisdiction over the waterway that separates the two. Taiwan and the United States disagree, saying that the Taiwan Strait has international waters.

About once per month, U.S. Navy warships and patrol aircraft pass over or through the Strait.

Canadian Naval Vessels are rarer, but last November the US destroyer USS Rafael Peralta accompanied by a Royal Canadian Navy Frigate HMCS Ottawa made a joint passage through the strait.

The Pentagon described the Chinese warship's approach to a U.S. destroyer in June as "unsafe" after it came within 150 yards of the destroyer.

Taiwan's Defence Ministry said on Thursday in a press release that its military was "fully controlling" the seas and skies surrounding the Canadian frigate as it transited from the north to the south of the Strait. The ministry also stated that everything appeared normal. The Beijing Newsroom contributed additional reporting; editing by Himani Sakar and Stephen Coates.

(source: Reuters)