US, Canada Conduct Joint Taiwan Strait Transit

The United States and Canada have conducted a joint naval transit through the Taiwan Strait, involving the USS Higgins and the HMCS Vancouver, just days after China concluded significant military exercises around Taiwan. This routine passage underscores the commitment of the US and its allies to uphold freedom of navigation in international waters, despite China's claims over the strait. The Chinese military has criticized the transit as disruptive, accusing the US and Canada of undermining peace and stability in the region. The Eastern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army monitored the transit with naval and air forces, following the ships' movements closely. These operations are part of a broader pattern of regular US-led patrols in the area, aimed at challenging Beijing's territorial assertions. Tensions remain high as Beijing views such actions as provocations and continues to assert its claim over Taiwan, which it considers a breakaway province.