Taiwan detects 24 Chinese aircraft as Canadian ship transits waters

On Sunday, Taiwan reported detecting 24 Chinese military aircraft near the island as a Canadian warship sailed through the Taiwan Strait, marking the first Canadian naval vessel to make the passage this year. This follows recent transit by two U.S. ships through the strait, a move that is customary for the United States and its allies to assert the Taiwan Strait as an international waterway, much to China’s displeasure.

Although Beijing has never governed Taiwan, it considers the democratic island as part of its territory and has expressed intentions to bring it under its control by force. Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry stated, “The Royal Canadian Navy’s Halifax-class frigate HMCS Ottawa sailed through the Taiwan Strait on February 16, demonstrating Canada’s commitment to the strait’s freedom, peace, and openness as international waters.”

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Defence Ministry reported 24 Chinese military aircraft, including fighter jets and drones, conducting “joint combat readiness patrols” alongside military vessels near the island. During the Canadian warship’s passage, China’s military reportedly warned the ship to alter its course.

Earlier in February, a U.S. destroyer and an ocean survey ship also traversed the strait, prompting criticism from China’s military for allegedly increasing security risks. Data from Taiwan’s defence ministry indicated 62 Chinese military aircraft were observed near the island in the 48 hours following the U.S. ships’ transit.

The latest U.S. passage through the Taiwan Strait occurred shortly after President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba voiced opposition to any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo in the region through force or coercion.