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US, Canada Warships Navigate Taiwan Strait – Exclusive Insight

4 weeks ago
4 weeks ago


US and Canadian Warships Sail Through Taiwan Strait Amid Tensions with China

In the latest display of military maneuvers in the Asia-Pacific region, a US and a Canadian warship have passed through the waters separating Taiwan and China. This action comes just a week after Beijing conducted large-scale military drills in the sensitive passage, escalating tensions in the region.

Background Information

  • The United States and its allies regularly navigate through the 180-kilometre Taiwan Strait to assert its status as an international waterway, which often triggers backlash from Beijing.
  • China considers Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control.

    Recent Activity

  • The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) and Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331) conducted a routine Taiwan Strait transit on Oct. 20, according to the US Navy’s 7th Fleet.
  • This passage by the US and Canadian warships is seen as a demonstration of their commitment to upholding freedom of navigation for all nations.

    Reactions

  • China criticized the US and Canadian actions as disruptive to "peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait."
  • Taiwan’s defense ministry reported that the situation in the surrounding sea and airspace remained normal during the transit of the US and Canadian ships.

    Previous Military Drills

  • Beijing recently conducted a record number of military aircraft exercises and deployed warships and coast guard vessels to encircle Taiwan, signaling a heightened level of military pressure on the island.

    Ongoing Tensions

  • Beijing has been increasing military activities near Taiwan, with frequent deployments of warplanes and navy vessels around the island.
  • Taiwan’s defense ministry detected 14 Chinese military aircraft and 12 navy vessels in the 24-hour period leading up to 6:00 am.

    The passage of US and Canadian warships through the Taiwan Strait underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region and the ongoing tensions between China and its neighbors. As these military activities continue, it is essential for all nations involved to navigate these sensitive waters with caution to avoid further escalation of conflicts.

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