Canadian warship transits Taiwan Strait ahead of Chinese Foreign Minister's visit

On the eve of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Canada, the Canadian Department of National Defence confirmed that the frigate HMCS Charlottetown transited the Taiwan Strait alone last week. A spokesperson for the Canadian Department of National Defence stated that the transit was a routine mission. The timing of this transit is particularly sensitive, as it coincides with the first visit by a Chinese Foreign Minister to Canada in a decade. While the Canadian government is seeking to expand economic cooperation with China, it maintains its position that the Taiwan Strait is 'international waters,' and this transit is seen as a demonstration of its commitment to international law and freedom of navigation.