China Warns Australian, Canadian Warships of "Provocation" in Taiwan Strait

China's Military Follows Australian and Canadian Warships in Taiwan Strait, Accusing Them of 'Provocation' BEIJING (AP) — China's military followed and warned Australian and Canadian warships as they sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait on Wednesday, with Beijing describing the incident as a "provocation." The Peoples Liberation Armys Eastern Theatre Command said the Australian guided-missile destroyer Brisbane and the Canadian frigate Ville de Quebec were engaged in trouble-making and provocation. The command accused the two nations of deliberately sailing through the strait to test China's military capabilities. "We strongly condemn this provocative action by Australia and Canada," a Chinese military spokesperson said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Their actions are a clear challenge to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity." The Taiwan Strait is considered an international waterway by countries including the US, Canada, Britain, and Taiwan. However, Beijing views it as a sensitive area under its jurisdiction. The incident occurred during a maritime cooperative activity between the Philippines, Australia, and Canadian navies in disputed waters of the South China Sea on September 3, 2025. The exercise was aimed at promoting regional security and stability, but China's military saw it as an attempt to encroach on its territory. "This is not just about Taiwan; this is about China's sovereignty," said a Chinese expert on international relations, speaking on condition of anonymity. "China will not tolerate any actions that challenge its authority." The incident has sparked concerns among regional experts and diplomats, who fear it may escalate tensions between China and the West. "The situation in the South China Sea is already volatile, and this incident only adds to the tension," said a US diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity. "We urge all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any actions that could lead to conflict." The current status of the situation remains unclear, but it is expected that the incident will be discussed at an upcoming meeting between Chinese and Western diplomats. In related news, China's military has increased its presence in the South China Sea in recent months, with reports of increased naval patrols and exercises. The move has been seen as a response to growing US involvement in the region. Background: The Taiwan Strait is a 180-kilometer-wide waterway that separates mainland China from the self-ruled island of Taiwan. The strait is considered an international waterway by countries including the US, Canada, Britain, and Taiwan, but Beijing views it as a sensitive area under its jurisdiction. China has long claimed sovereignty over Taiwan, which has been governed independently since 1949. However, China's military has increased its presence in the region in recent years, sparking concerns among regional experts and diplomats. The incident is the latest in a series of tensions between China and Western nations, particularly the US. The two sides have clashed on issues ranging from trade to security, with some analysts warning of a new Cold War. Additional perspectives: "This is not just about Taiwan; this is about China's sovereignty," said a Chinese expert on international relations. "The situation in the South China Sea is already volatile, and this incident only adds to the tension," said a US diplomat. Current status: The current status of the situation remains unclear, but it is expected that the incident will be discussed at an upcoming meeting between Chinese and Western diplomats. *Reporting by Theguardian.*