Chinese Defense Minister Defends Warship’s Interception of U.S. and Canadian Vessels in Taiwan Strait

At the 20th International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Sunday, Chinese Defense Minister Gen. Li Shangfu defended the sailing of a Chinese warship across the path of an American destroyer and Canadian frigate transiting the Taiwan Strait. Gen. Li stated that such “freedom of navigation” patrols are a provocation to China.

The incident occurred on Saturday, when the Chinese warship intercepted the USS Chung-Hoon and the HMCS Montreal as they transited the strait between the self-governed island of Taiwan and mainland China. The U.S. guided-missile destroyer slowed to 10 knots to avoid a collision, according to the U.S. Pacific Fleet Command.

In his first international public address since becoming defense minister in March, Gen. Li also stated that China does not have any intention of attacking any other country, and that its military development is purely for defensive purposes. He added that China will continue to adhere to the path of peaceful development and will not be a source of regional or global instability.

The U.S. and Canada have both expressed concern over the incident, with the U.S. Pacific Fleet Command stating that such actions are “inconsistent with international law” and “undermine regional stability”. The U.S. and Canada have also called on China to respect the freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait.

The incident has raised tensions between the U.S., Canada, and China, and has highlighted the ongoing dispute over the status of Taiwan. It remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved, and whether further incidents will occur in the future.