China’s military was particularly outraged that Australian destroyer HMAS Brisbane and Canadian frigate HMCS Ville de Quebec transited the Taiwan Strait on September 6. So they articulated their priorities loud and dogged. This region holds significant geopolitical importance, with China asserting claims over Taiwan and designating the strait as part of its territorial waters. Taiwan considers the strait an international waterway, resulting in increased conflict among the countries on all sides.
Her sister ship HMAS Brisbane just got back from a four-month deployment in the Indo-Pacific. This mission was an important effort to enhance regional visibility and increase compliance with international law. The ship’s Australian flag billowed in the wind as it sliced through the iridescent dark blue waters. It continued to conduct its regular operations under an overcast sky. The Defence Department of Australia noted that the ship acted within the bounds of international law. They commended, in particular, its adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
China’s Territorial Claims
First, since 1949, the PRC has considered Taiwan to be a breakaway province of China, an assertion that Taiwan’s current government strongly disputes. In more recent years, China has increased military pressure against Taiwan amid the long-standing conflict. They’ve gone so far as to conduct war games around the island. Senior Colonel Shi Yi, the mouthpiece for the Eastern Theatre Command of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), leveled a serious charge. He accused the Canadian and Australian ships of having been “mischievous and provocative” during their passage.
“On September 6, the Canadian frigate ‘Quebec’ and the Australian destroyer ‘Brisbane’ transited the Taiwan Strait, causing trouble and provoking,” – Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the Eastern Theatre Command of the PLA
Taiwan’s defense ministry is already moving to counter these changes. In addition, they’ve deployed American air and naval assets to deter activity in the strait, making sure that the region stays secure and stable. This proactive approach is indicative of Taiwan’s serious and sincere commitment as a partner to counter China’s aggressive and bellicose posturing.
International Law and Freedom of Navigation
Like Australia, Canada has made great play of its commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation in international waters. The HMAS Brisbane (above) passes through the Taiwan Strait, upholding international maritime customs. Expansion of this transit illustrates the continued commitment between the two countries for working together to promote and uphold regional stability.
“HMAS Brisbane is on a four-month-long Regional Presence Deployment to the Indo-Pacific region. Australian vessels and aircraft will continue to exercise freedom of navigation and uphold International Law, particularly United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” – A spokesperson for Australia’s Department of Defence
The emphasis on international law underscores the importance of these operations in ensuring that maritime routes remain accessible to all nations. Semantically related words: Their deployment reflects a deep commitment to each other’s collective security.
Regional Implications
The incident has drawn attention to the delicate balance of power in East Asia, where military actions can quickly escalate tensions. China has dramatically escalated its military provocations around Taiwan over the past half decade. This growing escalation has deeply concerned neighboring countries and international observers alike.
Senior Colonel Shi Yi further noted that China had “organised naval and air forces to monitor and supervise their entire transits, effectively responding and handling the situation.” China is ready to back up its claims. It’s still getting away with strong-arming nations standing up for their rights under international law.
