The Chinese military closely observed the warship's transit, with a spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Li Xi, stating that the military "effectively" dealt with the situation. Li criticized the Canadian warship’s passage, calling it an act that intentionally provoked tensions and undermined peace and stability in the region.
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense confirmed the presence of 24 Chinese aircraft, which were seen conducting joint training with PLA vessels during the passage of the Canadian ship. Taiwanese media also reported that China’s military contacted the Canadian frigate, warning it to change course.
The warship in question, the Halifax-class HMCS Ottawa, is the first Canadian naval vessel to pass through the 180-kilometer (112-mile) Taiwan Strait this year. This incident follows similar movements by U.S. naval vessels, with two American ships—a destroyer and a survey ship—transiting the sensitive waterway just days earlier.