Taiwan backs Canada as China fumes over passage of warship HMCS Ottawa through disputed Taiwan Strait

The presence of Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Ottawa in the Taiwan Strait irked China, which accused Canada of undermining peace and stability in the region, even as Taiwan praised Canada over the passage of its naval vessel through the strait.

The US Navy ships, and from time to time, vessels from allied countries like Canada, Britain and France, passes strait, which they consider an international waterway. China, however, considers the territory as its own.

In a statement, the Eastern Theatre Command of People’s Liberation Army claimed that the Canadian side is "deliberately causing disruptions and undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait."

Spokesman for Eastern Theatre Command Colonel Li Xi said, "Theatre forces maintain a high level of alert at all times and resolutely counter all threats and provocations."

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He said the Chinese military monitored the passage of a Canadian frigate through the Taiwan Strait on Sunday and has effectively dealt with it, according to a report on Xinhua.

The command deployed naval and air forces to monitor and remain on alert throughout the transit of the vessel he added.

Meanwhile, hailing Canada's move, the Taiwanese foreign ministry noted that "Canada has once again taken concrete action to uphold the Taiwan Strait’s freedom, peace, and openness."

It further said Canada demonstrated its firm position that the Taiwan Strait is international waters.

"A Canadian frigate transited the Taiwan Strait from south to north today. During this period, the #ROCArmedForces maintained full control over the surrounding sea and airspace, with the situation remaining normal," Taiwan's defence ministry said in a tweet.