China lodges complaint after Canadian warship passes through Taiwan Strait
HMCS Montreal was conducting a routine transit, Ottawa says
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.