Accoriding to the online news site The Defense Post, China has declared its military readiness, signaling a heightened state of alert following the transit of US and Canadian warships through the Taiwan Strait.
This joint operation, the second of its kind within two months, involved the USS Rafael Peralta and the HMCS Ottawa, as confirmed by the US Navy.
Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the Eastern Theatre Command of China, expressed staunch opposition to the maneuver, criticizing it as provocative and monitoring the entire journey through naval and aerial forces.
This recent development underscores the persistent strategic tension in the region, with the US and its allies frequently asserting navigational rights in international waters, much to Beijing's displeasure.
The Taiwan Strait, a focal point of geopolitical contention, was navigated by the fleet in strict adherence to international law, according to the Seventh Fleet of the United States.
Emphasizing the importance of unhindered passage, the US Navy advocates for a free and open Indo-Pacific region, where international waters are accessible to all in compliance with international norms.
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense corroborated the transit event, while noting no extraordinary military activity and maintaining that the situation remained stable.
Meanwhile, China's assertive claims over Taiwan continue to fuel cross-strait tensions, which have seen a notable uptick in Chinese military exercises and incursions into Taiwan's air defense zones.
In a display of force and resolve, China has not only escalated its aerial maneuvers around Taiwan but has also integrated these with naval patrols, as Taipei remains vigilant with its defensive capabilities on alert.
