A Canadian warship passed through the Taiwan Strait, which Ottawa described as a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The HMCS Montreal frigate's transit on July 31 was labeled by Canada’s defense ministry as a routine operation reaffirming its dedication to a "free, open, and inclusive" Indo-Pacific. Defence Minister Bill Blair noted that Canada is enhancing the Royal Canadian Navy's presence in the region, following its Indo-Pacific Strategy announced in 2022.

China responded sharply, with Li Xi, spokesperson for the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) Eastern Theater Command, accusing the Canadian frigate of "harassing and disrupting the situation" and undermining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. He stated that Chinese troops are on high alert and prepared to respond to all threats and provocations.

Disclaimer: This Image was taken from Reuters