Canadian warship sails through Taiwan Strait, ignites verbal war

Taiwan defends Strait’s status after China criticizes Canada

Robert Besser
22 Feb 2025, 02:06 GMT+10

Canadian warship sails through Taiwan Strait, ignites verbal war

Taiwan's defense ministry said this week that the Taiwan Strait does not belong to China, and any attempts to create tension in the area could harm global security
The U.S. Navy and its allies, including Canada, Britain, and France, regularly sail through the Taiwan Strait, treating it as an international waterway. Taiwan agrees with this view, but China claims the strait as its territory
Last week, the first U.S. Navy ships passed through the strait since President Trump took office, angering China

TAIPEI/BEIJING: Taiwan's defense ministry said this week that the Taiwan Strait does not belong to China, and any attempts to create tension in the area could harm global security. This statement came after China criticized Canada for sailing a warship through the strait.

The U.S. Navy and its allies, including Canada, Britain, and France, regularly sail through the Taiwan Strait, treating it as an international waterway. Taiwan agrees with this view, but China claims the strait as its territory.

Last week, the first U.S. Navy ships passed through the strait since President Trump took office, angering China. In response, China conducted military patrols. Taiwan's defense ministry said China is trying to falsely present the strait as an internal matter, while freedom of navigation by friendly countries proves it is an international route.

Taiwan also reported increased Chinese military activity near the island, with 41 Chinese aircraft and nine ships spotted in the past 24 hours.

China's military accused Canada of "stirring up trouble" by sailing a warship through the strait. However, Canada defended its actions, saying it was ensuring free navigation under international law. Taiwan welcomed Canada's move, calling it a strong statement in support of peace and open access to the strait.

Taiwan's government, elected democratically, rejects China's claim over the island and insists that only the people of Taiwan can decide their future.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Johannesburg Life.

More Information

null in null

International

Section

Taiwan defends Strait’s status after China criticizes Canada

TAIPEI/BEIJING: Taiwan's defense ministry said this week that the Taiwan Strait does not belong to China, and any attempts to create...

No unified European army despite Russian threat, says Polish FM

European countries will not create united army, Poland's Sikorski says

WARSAW, Poland: European nations will not form a single, unified army despite growing security concerns over Russia, Polish Foreign...

Speaker Mike Johnson: Western survival hinges on national priorities

US House Speaker Johnson tells West to prioritize national interests

LONDON, U.K.: Republican U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said this week that Western countries must focus on their national interests...

First human H5N1 case confirmed in Wyoming as bird flu spreads

Wyoming sees first human case of H5N1 amid rising bird flu infections

CHEYENNE, Wyoming: The state reported its first human case of Type A H5N1 influenza, which is spreading through animals and some people...

Europe faces hard choices amid rising threats, warns French FM

French FM: Europe must prepare for tough security decisions

MUNICH, Germany: Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot warned that Europe must brace...

Mine collapse in western Mali kills at least 43, mostly women

Over 40 people killed in Mali mine collapse

BAMAKO, Mali: A tragic mine collapse in western Mali, West Africa, has claimed the lives of at least 43 people, mostly women, an industry...

Africa

Section

Taiwan defends Strait’s status after China criticizes Canada

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

International

Taiwan defends Strait’s status after China criticizes Canada

No unified European army despite Russian threat, says Polish FM

Speaker Mike Johnson: Western survival hinges on national priorities

First human H5N1 case confirmed in Wyoming as bird flu spreads

Europe faces hard choices amid rising threats, warns French FM

Mine collapse in western Mali kills at least 43, mostly women

Africa

Mine collapse in western Mali kills at least 43, mostly women

UN warns of worsening humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo

GHANA-ACCRA-CHINA-AUTOMOBILE COMPANY-AUTO SHOWROOM-LAUNCH

"PM Modi to be Guest of Honour for National Day celebrations": Mauritius PM Ramgoolam

"One of our best performances...": SA skipper Bavuma hails team's bowling after win over Afghanistan in CT2025

CT2025: Rickelton, Rabada shine as South Africa beat Afghanistan by 107 runs

Movie Review

Youth of the Beast (Yaju no seishun) [DVD]