China tracks Canadian and Australian warships in Taiwan Strait, calls it ‘provocation’

China’s military on Saturday said it tracked and warned a Canadian and an Australian warship sailing through the Taiwan Strait, calling the move a “provocation.”

The PLA’s Eastern Theatre Command said the Canadian frigate Ville de Quebec and the Australian destroyer Brisbane were engaged in “trouble making and provocation.” It added that Chinese air and naval forces “followed and warned” the ships and “effectively responded.”

“The actions of the Canadians and Australians send the wrong signals and increase security risks,” the command said in a statement.

There was no immediate comment from either the Canadian or Australian armed forces. Taiwan’s defence ministry said it was monitoring activity in the strait and “dispatches appropriate air and naval forces to ensure the security and stability” of the waterway.

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The US and its allies, including Canada, Britain and France, regularly transit the Taiwan Strait, which they view as international waters. Taiwan shares that view, while China claims the strait as its territorial waters.

Beijing has stepped up military pressure on Taiwan in recent years, staging frequent drills near the island, which it regards as its own. Taipei rejects China’s claims.