US and Canadian Warships Navigate Taiwan Strait, Drawing China’s Ire

Washington: US and Canadian naval forces sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Sunday, signaling their commitment to freedom of navigation in the region. This maneuver comes closely on the heels of China's military exercises near Taiwan, underscoring the ongoing tensions in the area. According to Kuwait News Agency, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins and the Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate HMCS Vancouver participated in the transit. The US Navy Seventh Fleet issued a statement emphasizing that the operation was conducted in full compliance with international law, highlighting the commitment to "high-seas freedom of navigation and overflight." The fleet's statement further noted, "The US rejects any assertion of sovereignty or jurisdiction that is inconsistent with freedoms of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea and air." This passage through the Taiwan Strait followed China's "Joint Sword-2024B" military exercise on October 14, which involved sea-air co mbat drills and tested joint operations capabilities. During the Chinese military exercises, the aircraft carrier Liaoning led a strike group through the Bashi Channel into the West Pacific, prompting criticism from over 30 countries including prominent nations such as the US, Japan, the UK, and Australia. These countries expressed concerns over the potential disruption to regional peace and stability. China's response to the US and Canadian naval operation has been one of strong disapproval, viewing the transit as a challenge to its claims over Taiwan and the strait as internal waters. Chinese authorities have reiterated their stance on defending national sovereignty and maintaining peace and stability in the region, viewing the navigation by foreign warships as a provocative act.