TAIPEI: In a joint mission, warships from the United States and Canada sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Saturday, according to the navies of both countries. The transit took place in the sensitive waterway that separates democratic self-ruled Taiwan from China, amid heightened tensions in the region.
China claims Taiwan as its territory and has been increasing military and political pressure on the island. Last week, China’s aircraft carrier, the Shandong, led two other ships through the Taiwan Strait as a show of force following Beijing’s military exercises near Taiwan in April.
The US 7th Fleet announced on Saturday that the USS Chung-Hoon destroyer and the Royal Canadian Navy’s HMCS Montreal were conducting a routine Taiwan Strait transit. The navies emphasized that the transit was carried out in accordance with international law and demonstrated the commitment of the United States (US) and its allies to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
US Naval Ships Frequently Sail Through Taiwan Strait
While US naval ships have frequently sailed through the Taiwan Strait, it is uncommon for such a mission to be conducted jointly with another country’s ships. The last joint passage through the strait involving the US and Canada occurred in September 2022.
Confirming the passage, Canada’s military tweeted that the US and Canada are partners working together for peace and security in the region.
The joint transit took place while US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu attended a defense summit in Singapore. The US had invited Li for a meeting on the sidelines of the summit, but Beijing declined, stating that the removal of US sanctions on its minister was a precondition for talks.
Tensions between the United States (US) and China have escalated this year, with Taiwan and other issues contributing to the strain. The recent transit coincided with an alleged Chinese spy balloon being shot down by a US warplane after crossing North American airspace.
