Taiwan defends Strait’s status after China criticizes Canada

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

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 Cardiff Star.

More Information

null in null

United Kingdom

Section

Shell rejects claim of early merger talks with BP

LONDON, U.K.: British oil giant Shell has denied reports that it is in talks to acquire rival oil company BP. The Wall Street Journal...

China: Building a 'Patriots Only' Hong Kong

(New York) - China's government has erased Hong Kong's freedoms since imposing the draconian National Security Law on June 30, 2020,...

FIFA Club WC: Last two QF spots up for grabs as Real Madrid, Dortmund among teams in action

New Delhi [India], July 1 (ANI): The last two spots for the quarterfinals of the FIFA Club World Cup will be sealed by either Spanish...

"Everyone was sort of very tired from week": Ben Stokes reflects on England's fitness ahead of second test against India

Birmingham [UK] July 1 (ANI): Heading into the second test against India at Edgbaston, Birmingham, England skipper Ben Stokes spoke...

Harmanpreet Kaur returns to training ahead of second T20I; Smriti Mandhana set for milestone appearance

Bristol [UK], July 1 (ANI): India captain Harmanpreet Kaur returned to training on the eve of the second T20I against England, scheduled...

Orlando Bloom shares cryptic post about 'new beginnings' after Katy Perry split

Washington [US], July 1 (ANI): Actor Orlando Bloom has shared a series of cryptic messages on his Instagram stories, hinting at a new...

International

Section