An Australian frigate’s transit of the Taiwan Strait was monitored by China’s military, highlighting ongoing tensions in the strategic waterway.
SYDNEY: An Australian warship has sailed through the Taiwan Strait, a government source confirmed.
The Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Toowoomba (pic) conducted the transit on Friday and Saturday as part of a regional deployment.
China’s military tracked and monitored the vessel throughout its passage, according to state-backed media.
Beijing claims sovereignty over Taiwan and views the strait as Chinese territorial waters.
The Australian government source described the transit as a routine operation.
All interactions with foreign ships and aircraft were safe and professional, the source added.
Taiwan’s defence ministry stated it closely monitors activity around the island.
The ministry noted the strait is an international waterway where all countries enjoy freedom of navigation.
It declined to comment on the movements of allied countries’ vessels.
U.S. warships regularly transit the strait, actions that consistently anger Beijing.
Other U.S. allies, including France, Britain and Canada, have also made occasional transits.
China has increased its military presence around Taiwan in recent years.
It conducted major military exercises around the island in late December.
Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims.
It asserts that only the island’s people can decide their future.
