China lodges complaint after Canadian warship passes through Taiwan Strait

China lodged complaints with Canada through military and diplomatic channels after a Canadian warship recently sailed through the Taiwan Strait, China's defence ministry said on Friday.

According to Defence Minister Bill Blair, HMCS Montreal was in the area conducting a routine transit.

«As outlined in our Indo-Pacific Strategy, Canada is increasing the presence of the Royal Canadian Navy in the Indo-Pacific region,» Blair said, referring to Canada's plan for the region announced in 2022.

China's defence ministry said in a media statement the act «caused disturbance and stirred up trouble.»

«We warn Canada that it should abide by the One-China Principle, be cautious in its words and deeds on the Taiwan issue,» ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said.