Taiwan detected 24 Chinese military aircraft near its airspace on Sunday while a Canadian warship passed through the Taiwan Strait. This was the first Canadian naval vessel to transit the waterway in 2025 sparking concerns amid ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China. 

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Taiwan’s defence ministry reported that the Chinese aircraft including fighter jets and drones were engaged in military exercises alongside naval ships near the island. Meanwhile Canada’s Halifax-class frigate, “HMCS Ottawa” was navigating through the Taiwan Strait.

The Chinese military issued a radio warning to the Canadian vessel, instructing it to change course, according to Taiwanese media sources.

A similar situation occurred earlier this month when two U.S. Navy ships passed through the Taiwan Strait leading to a strong reaction from Beijing. The Chinese military accused Washington of sending the “wrong signal” and increasing security risks in the region.

Taiwan and Canada’s Response

Taiwan’s foreign ministry praised Canada’s actions stating that the passage reinforced the idea that the Taiwan Strait is international waters. The ministry emphasised that such transits help maintain peace, stability and freedom of navigation in the region.

Canada, the United States and its allies frequently conduct freedom of navigation operations (FONOPS) in the Taiwan Strait a move that China strongly opposes.

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China’s Position

Beijing considers Taiwan a part of its territory and has repeatedly stated that it would use force if necessary to bring the island under its control. It also opposes foreign military presence in the Taiwan Strait, calling it a provocation.

Rising Military Activity

Taiwan’s defence ministry released data showing that in the last 48 hours 62 Chinese military aircraft were spotted near Taiwan. This spike in aerial activity coincided with U.S. naval movements in the strait.

International Response

Recent diplomatic discussions between the U.S. and Japan emphasised their commitment to ensuring peace in the Taiwan Strait. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and U.S. officials reaffirmed their stance against any attempt to change the status quo by force.

With military activities increasing and diplomatic tensions rising the Taiwan Strait remains a focal point in China-West relations.