China's military condemned Monday the sailing of a Canadian Warship in the Taiwan Strait. It said its air and navy forces had monitored the ship and warned it, a mission which came only a few days following a similar mission by U.S. Navy vessels.

Around once a week, the U.S. Navy and sometimes ships from allies like Canada, Britain, and France transit the Strait. China, which claims Taiwan to be its territory, claims the strategic waterway as well.

The People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre Command stated that Canada's actions had "deliberately stoked up trouble" in the Strait and had undermined the peace and stability.

The statement continued, "Theatre Forces maintain a high alert level at all times. They are resolute in their response to all threats and provocation."

The Canadian military declined to comment immediately.

The Chinese and Taiwanese government both identified the ship Ottawa.

Taiwan's Defence Ministry said that on Sunday the ship had been sailing in a direction north, and that Taiwanese troops were also keeping watch.

Taiwan's Foreign Ministry welcomed the sailing.

On Sunday, the Canadian government said that it had taken "concrete actions" to defend freedom, openness and peace in the Taiwan Strait. It also reiterated its position that international waters encompass the Taiwan Strait.

In October last year, two warships from the United States and Canada were involved in a collision.

Sailing

Together, they crossed the strait less than a fortnight after China held a second round of wargames around the island.

Taiwan's democratically-elected government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, saying only the island's people can decide their future. Ben Blanchard, writing and reporting in Taipei. Editing by Diane Craft. Reporting by Beijing Newsroom.

(source: Reuters)